Cyclosporiasis Cases Spike Across Multiple States, Source Still Unknown

A parasitic illness known for causing severe, prolonged gastrointestinal distress has surged to reported clusters in at least a dozen states, with federal investigators yet to identify a common food or water source.

Cases of cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, have been reported across multiple U.S. states in recent weeks.
The illness is associated with severe, watery diarrhea, fatigue, and cramping that can persist for weeks without antibiotic treatment.
No single food vehicle or point-source exposure has been publicly confirmed by the CDC or state health authorities.
Cyclospora outbreaks have historically been linked to imported fresh produce, including raspberries, basil, and pre-packaged salad mixes.
The geographic spread of current cases remains under active investigation, with no recall or advisory issued as of the time of filing.

Cases of cyclosporiasis — a parasitic illness caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis and associated with sudden-onset, explosive watery diarrhea lasting weeks — have been reported across at least a dozen U.S. states, according to data compiled by The Hill and cross-referenced with state health department bulletins.

The CDC has not issued a formal outbreak declaration or identified a confirmed exposure source. No food recall is currently in effect.

Cyclospora is transmitted through ingestion of water or food contaminated with the parasite’s oocysts. Past U.S. outbreaks have been traced to fresh raspberries imported from Guatemala, fresh basil, and pre-packaged salad mix distributed through national grocery chains. The current cluster has not been publicly linked to any single commodity or supplier.

Without treatment — typically a course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole — symptoms can relapse after apparent recovery. The illness is not transmitted person to person.

State-level case counts vary, and a consolidated federal map had not been publicly released at the time of filing. The common thread among reported cases, so far, is that there is no confirmed common thread.