Cyclosporiasis latest: This is why federal health officials are tracking a stomach bug in 31 states

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:21:49 -0400

Health officials and federal researchers are scrambling to locate the source of a miserable stomach parasite that has sickened hundreds of people nationwide.

Stomach illness outbreak

The illness stems from a parasite that targets the small intestine, causing intense diarrhea, nausea and fatigue, according to health data.

Federal health officials at the CDC tracked the parasite across 31 states, confirming 843 cases and 86 hospitalizations. The actual number of infections is likely much higher, researchers said.

The parasite typically spreads when human feces contaminates water used to irrigate crops. Contaminated foods of concern include cilantro, basil, raspberries, blackberries, snow peas and packaged lettuce.

Foodborne parasite source mystery

Health investigators do not know the exact origin or specific product causing the current outbreak, according to the CDC. Finding the root cause is exceptionally difficult because the parasite mutates quickly compared to bacteria like E. coli or salmonella, Cleveland Clinic Physician Dr. Neha Vyas said.

Officials have not yet determined how many total people have truly been infected outside the officially reported numbers. It remains unclear which specific farms or shipments introduced the contaminated items into the food supply.

Summer spike in cases: Is cyclosporiasis contagious?

Stomach illness cases normally spike during the summer months when people consume more fresh produce, but medical experts say this season has been exceptionally worse. The infection is not contagious between humans, meaning people can only get sick by eating something contaminated with the parasite.

Symptoms can take anywhere from six to seven days to appear after a person eats the parasite, HealthTrack Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Goldberg noted. Without proper medical treatment, the stomach illness can fade away and repeatedly return over the course of six weeks.

Protect your fresh food: How to avoid Cyclosporiasis?

Medical professionals advise consumers to thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them. Goldberg recommended only consuming high-risk produce items if they were grown and irrigated inside the United States.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak: What is it, symptoms and how to wash produce

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:48:18 -0400

As cases of cyclosporiasis continue to spread across the U.S., public health agencies recommend thoroughly washing your produce to lower your risk for the foodborne parasite known to cause "explosive diarrhea."

JUMP TO: WHAT IS IT l HOW TO WASH PRODUCE l SYMPTOMS l CASES BY STATE

As of Thursday, cyclosporiasis cases were confirmed or being investigated in 29 states, according to The Associated Press. Cases are surging in Michigan, where more than 1,200 people have been sickened, and 40 people have been hospitalized.

The outbreak is not yet considered a national health emergency.

What is cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Experts say it’s usually found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces.

In the U.S., the parasite is typically spread through fresh produce in hot weather. It doesn’t spread from person-to-person. Public health officials haven’t linked the most recent outbreak to a specific type of produce grower or supplies, or a specific type of produce as a potential source of the outbreak.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a list of produce that has been tied to previous outbreaks, including:

Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
Fresh basil
Raspberries
Snow peas
Green onions (scallions)

How to wash produce

Public health agencies say you should take the following steps to wash your produce before it’s consumed, though one study found that cyclospora isn’t easily removed by washing produce because it’s "stickier" than other bacteria and parasites:

Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
Rinse the produce before you peel it to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the knife to the fruit or vegetable.
Fruits and vegetables that are labeled "prewashed" do not need to be washed again at home.
Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.
Remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.
Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food. Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where fresh produce is stored.
Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces and utensils used to prepare, serve or store fresh produce.
Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).

Researchers also say washing your produce with one cup of white vinegar mixed with three or four cups of water can help to remove pesticides and prevent mold, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration recommend simply rinsing the produce under running water.

Cyclosporiasis symptoms

Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and may include:

Frequent watery diarrhea
Loss of appetite and weight
Abdominal cramps and bloating
Nausea (vomiting is less common)
Low-grade fever

Treatment for cyclosporiasis

For people who don’t get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.

Cyclosporiasis cases by state

Researchers say the illness is hard to track for several reasons, but cases are currently being investigated in 29 states. Here’s a look at cases in each state, based on the data available as of July 9:

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