CDC parasite outbreak investigators are tracking a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened at least 145 people across 17 U.S. states, with 20 reported hospitalizations and no confirmed deaths. Federal health officials continue working to identify the contaminated food source while urging Americans to recognize symptoms and seek treatment if needed.
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CDC Continues Multistate Investigation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), working alongside the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health departments, is actively investigating a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
The current investigation focuses on infections acquired within the United States rather than cases linked to international travel. As of the latest confirmed CDC update, 145 domestically acquired illnesses have been identified among people who became sick between May 1 and June 16, 2026. Twenty patients have required hospitalization, but no fatalities have been reported.
Health officials emphasize that the investigation remains active. At this stage, no single food item has been confirmed as the source responsible for all reported illnesses.
Current Outbreak by the Numbers
| Category | Latest Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Confirmed U.S. cases | 145 |
| States affected | 17 |
| Hospitalizations | 20 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Illness onset | May 1–June 16, 2026 |
| Confirmed source | Still under investigation |
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine and causes the disease known as cyclosporiasis.
Unlike many viral stomach illnesses, Cyclospora infections usually occur after someone consumes contaminated food or water. Fresh produce has historically been the most common source during previous U.S. outbreaks.
The parasite requires time outside the human body before becoming infectious. Because of this life cycle, direct person-to-person transmission is considered unlikely.
Public health investigators continue examining food distribution records, patient interviews, and laboratory evidence to determine what food item links the current illnesses.
States Reporting Cases
The outbreak spans 17 states.
New York has reported the highest number of confirmed illnesses. Texas and Illinois also remain among the states with larger case totals. Additional confirmed cases have been identified in several other regions, including:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Case counts may continue changing as laboratories confirm additional infections and health departments complete ongoing investigations.
Symptoms People Should Know
Cyclosporiasis primarily affects the digestive system.
The most common symptom is prolonged watery diarrhea, which may become severe if left untreated.
Other symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Urgent bowel movements
- Low-grade fever in some patients
Symptoms often begin about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later.
Without appropriate treatment, illness may last for several weeks or even months. Some people experience recurring symptoms that improve before returning again.
Who Faces Greater Risk?
Anyone who consumes contaminated food or water can become infected.
However, certain groups may experience more serious illness, including:
- Older adults
- Young children
- People with weakened immune systems
- Organ transplant recipients
- Individuals receiving cancer treatment
Healthy adults generally recover with treatment, although symptoms can remain persistent without medication.
How Cyclospora Spreads
Cyclospora spreads differently than many common stomach viruses.
People become infected after swallowing food or water contaminated with infectious Cyclospora parasites.
The parasite does not usually spread directly from one infected person to another because it needs time outside the body before becoming capable of causing infection.
This characteristic makes contaminated produce one of the leading concerns during U.S. outbreaks.
Historically, previous outbreaks have been associated with imported fresh herbs, leafy greens, berries, and other fresh produce. Investigators have not linked the current outbreak to any specific product.
Why the Source Has Not Yet Been Identified
Finding the source of a foodborne outbreak can take weeks.
Investigators interview patients about everything they ate before becoming sick. They compare shopping histories, restaurant visits, food suppliers, laboratory testing, and product distribution records.
Fresh produce creates additional challenges because:
- It often has a short shelf life.
- Patients may not remember every ingredient consumed.
- Products may come from multiple farms.
- Distribution networks can cross several states.
Federal investigators continue analyzing evidence before identifying a confirmed source.
Treatment Options
Cyclosporiasis can usually be treated successfully.
The standard treatment is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX).
People experiencing severe diarrhea should seek medical evaluation, especially if symptoms persist for several days or signs of dehydration develop.
Maintaining hydration is also important during recovery.
Healthcare providers may order stool testing to confirm the diagnosis before treatment.
Can Washing Produce Prevent Infection?
Properly washing fruits and vegetables remains an important food safety practice.
However, experts caution that rinsing alone may not completely remove Cyclospora parasites from contaminated produce.
Consumers should continue following safe food handling practices by:
- Washing produce under running water.
- Refrigerating perishable foods promptly.
- Washing hands before preparing meals.
- Preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen.
- Drinking safe water while traveling.
Although these measures reduce many foodborne risks, they cannot eliminate every potential exposure to Cyclospora.
How the CDC Detects These Outbreaks
The CDC works closely with state laboratories and health departments throughout the year.
When laboratories identify Cyclospora infections, local officials report confirmed cases through national surveillance systems.
Scientists then examine whether multiple illnesses share common characteristics, including:
- Similar illness dates
- Geographic patterns
- Shared food exposures
- Laboratory findings
If investigators identify enough evidence connecting patients to a common source, public health agencies may issue recalls or consumer advisories.
At this time, no nationwide food recall has been announced in connection with the current investigation.
Seasonal Pattern of Cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis cases increase during warmer months in the United States.
Most domestically acquired illnesses occur between May and August.
This seasonal trend often coincides with increased availability and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Health officials closely monitor reports throughout the summer because outbreaks have historically occurred during this period.
How This Outbreak Compares With Previous Years
Cyclospora outbreaks have occurred repeatedly over the past decade.
CDC surveillance recorded 1,180 domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases during 2025 across 38 states, with 105 hospitalizations and no deaths.
The current investigation represents an early-season outbreak, and officials continue monitoring for additional illnesses as reporting continues.
Because laboratory confirmation and case investigations require time, official totals often increase after initial announcements.
What Americans Should Do Right Now
Public health officials recommend remaining alert for symptoms rather than becoming alarmed.
Individuals should contact a healthcare provider if they experience:
- Persistent watery diarrhea
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration
- Symptoms lasting more than several days
- Illness after consuming fresh produce that may be associated with an outbreak
Medical evaluation helps confirm diagnosis and allows appropriate treatment.
Consumers should also continue following routine food safety practices while investigators work to identify the contaminated product.
Latest Status of the Investigation
As of today, the CDC and FDA continue investigating multiple illness clusters connected to the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak.
Officials have confirmed:
- 145 domestically acquired illnesses
- 17 affected states
- 20 hospitalizations
- No deaths
- No confirmed food source
Additional case reports remain possible as laboratories complete testing and epidemiologists continue tracing exposures.
Public health agencies will provide updated information if investigators identify the contaminated food responsible for the outbreak or determine additional prevention measures.
Have questions about the CDC parasite outbreak or food safety? Share your thoughts in the comments and check back for the latest verified updates as the investigation continues.
