Key Takeaway:
- 145 cases across 17 states: The CDC has confirmed 145 Cyclospora infections and 20 hospitalizations, with New York reporting the highest number of cases.
- Foodborne source under investigation: Officials believe contaminated food caused the outbreak, as none of the infected patients recently traveled outside the U.S.
- Watch for symptoms: Explosive diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, cramping, and bloating are the most common signs, with symptoms potentially lasting for weeks.
A parasite linked to explosive diarrhea has infected 145 people across 17 U.S. states since early May, sending 20 patients to hospitals as federal and state health officials investigate a suspected Cyclospora outbreak with no confirmed source.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 145 people ages five to 86 tested positive for Cyclospora cayetanensis between May 1 and June 16. The agency said all reported cases appear to have been acquired within the United States because none of the patients recently traveled abroad, pointing investigators toward a domestic food source.
The Cyclospora outbreak spans 17 states, with New York reporting the highest number of infections at between 31 and 80 cases. Illinois and Texas each reported between 11 and 30 cases, while Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin each reported between one and 10 cases.
CDC reports 145 cases and 20 hospitalizations across multiple states
Health officials said 20 infected people have been hospitalized, although no deaths have been reported. The CDC classifies cyclosporiasis as a nationally notifiable disease, requiring health care providers to report confirmed infections to federal authorities.
The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that usually develops about one week after exposure. The hallmark symptom is watery or explosive diarrhea, though patients may also experience loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.
Less common symptoms include vomiting, headache, body aches, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms. According to the CDC, symptoms may resolve without antibiotics in some cases but can persist for several days to more than a month if left untreated.
Officials probe food source as patients report no international travel
Investigators believe contaminated food is the most likely source of the Cyclospora outbreak, although they have not identified a specific product. The parasite is commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated with human feces.
“Local, sta,te and federal (CDC, FDA) public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases in more than one state. Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing,” the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) said in a public update.
Officials said there is no evidence that the illness spreads directly from person to person. That finding, combined with the absence of recent international travel among patients, strengthens the theory that exposure occurred through food consumed within the United States.
Health experts urge awareness of symptoms and prompt medical care
Public health officials advise anyone experiencing persistent watery or explosive diarrhea, especially when accompanied by nausea, fatigue, or weight loss, to seek medical evaluation. Early diagnosis can help guide treatment and reduce the duration of illness.
The CDC continues working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state health departments to trace the source of the Cyclospora outbreak and identify the contaminated food source. Officials said additional cases may be identified as surveillance and laboratory testing continue.
Health authorities have not issued any recalls or consumer advisories because investigators have not linked the Cyclospora outbreak to a specific food item. The CDC said it will provide updates as more information becomes available.
