Public health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are tracking an outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis infection across the country.
The outbreak is significant because the parasite causes severe, explosive diarrhea and can lead to prolonged illness if not treated, impacting a wide geographic area.
Cases were reported starting May 1 and continuing through mid-June [2]. By early July, nearly 1,000 people had been diagnosed with the infection [1]. Earlier data indicated 145 cases across 17 states between May 1 and June 16 [2], but more recent reports suggest the outbreak has spread to 18 states [3].
Confirmed cases have appeared in several regions, including Michigan, New Jersey, and Texas [1, 2, 4]. The parasite is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. While health officials have not yet confirmed a definitive source, a working theory points to a contaminated batch of produce [3]. Some reports specifically highlight raspberries as a fresh fruit that can be contaminated [5].
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Because the parasite is hardy, it can survive transport to other regions via imported produce. Patients typically experience fatigue, weight loss, and intense abdominal cramping alongside the digestive symptoms.
Health officials continue to investigate the supply chain to identify the exact product responsible for the infections. They said consumers should be vigilant about the produce they bring into their homes while the investigation remains active [2].
“Nearly 1,000 people have been diagnosed”
This outbreak underscores the vulnerability of the U.S. food supply chain to imported produce contaminated with tropical parasites. The gap between the initial 145 cases and the nearly 1,000 later reported suggests a rapid escalation or a significant lag in reporting, highlighting the challenges the CDC faces in real-time containment of food-borne illnesses.
