The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials are tracking a surge in cyclosporiasis cases across the country.
The outbreak is significant because the parasite causes severe gastrointestinal distress and highlights vulnerabilities in the fresh produce supply chain.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that can cause ‘explosive’ watery diarrhea, a CDC spokesperson said [1]. While the illness is rarely life-threatening, Dr. Stacey Rose, an associate professor of epidemiology, said it can be severe, especially for those who are immunocompromised [3].
The outbreak has hit multiple regions. Michigan has reported approximately 1,000 cases [1], a sharp increase from the typical annual average of 50 cases [1]. Other states are also reporting infections, with reports placing the affected areas in 17 [4] to 18 [1] U.S. states.
In Colorado, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Public Health said the state is among those reporting cases of the illness [4]. The parasite is often linked to contaminated fresh produce, which officials believe is the primary vector for this surge.
The CDC is currently investigating the exact source of the outbreak. While some reports suggest a potential specific produce link, the CDC continues to investigate the source to confirm the origin of the contamination [2, 5].
Public health officials recommend caution with fresh produce until the investigation is complete. The parasite typically enters the body when a person consumes contaminated food or water, leading to symptoms that can persist for weeks if not treated.
“"Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that can cause ‘explosive’ watery diarrhea," the CDC said.”
The scale of this outbreak, particularly the 20-fold increase in cases in Michigan, suggests a widespread contamination event within the commercial agricultural supply chain. Because the parasite is often linked to produce that is consumed raw, the CDC's investigation will likely focus on tracing specific crops back to their farms of origin to prevent further transmission.
