WASHINGTON: US health officials are investigating a rise in cyclosporiasis cases after hundreds of people across at least 17 states were infected with the foodborne parasitic illness, though authorities say there is no evidence of a single nationwide outbreak.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 145 domestically acquired cases were recorded between May 1 and June 16, along with 45 travel-related infections.
Twenty people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
The CDC said the current cases appear to reflect the parasite’s typical seasonal increase rather than a widespread multistate outbreak.
“CDC has no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking cases happening right now and being reported in the press,” the agency said in a statement.
Health officials are continuing to investigate whether contaminated food sources may be contributing to the infections.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is most commonly associated with contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fatigue and loss of appetite. The CDC warns that diarrhea can sometimes be severe.
Michigan has reported one of the sharpest increases, with state health officials confirming more than 170 cases as of July 1, compared with about 50 cases reported during all of 2025.
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According to the CDC, the annual cyclosporiasis season in the United States typically runs from May through the end of August.
