Health officials report a sharp increase in cyclosporiasis cases, a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. Reporting from multiple outlets describes “explosive” growth in the number of confirmed cases over roughly a one-week period, with one outlet citing a more than 400% increase in the hardest-hit state. Authorities say the true number of illnesses may be higher than what has been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because not all patients are captured through surveillance systems.
Officials and public health experts are working to identify the outbreak’s source. While investigations are ongoing, sources note that cyclosporiasis outbreaks are often linked to contaminated food products, including prepackaged items and fresh produce. Agencies across jurisdictions are coordinating to trace common exposures and determine whether a specific supply chain, product, or location is associated with the illnesses. Updates continue as additional case reports are reviewed and testing and epidemiologic work proceed.
