Food-Borne Parasite Outbreak Spreads Across the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that over 800 cases of a food-borne parasite, cyclosporiasis, have been confirmed across 31 states in the United States. The parasite, caused by the cyclospora parasite, can lead to gastrointestinal disease characterized by watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
The CDC officials are working closely with state and local health agencies to investigate clusters of cyclosporiasis cases in multiple states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also working to trace the source of the outbreak, which has been linked to contaminated food and water.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease that can be acquired when people eat or drink contaminated food or water. The parasite can be spread year-round, but it is considered a larger problem during the spring and summer months.
The current series of outbreaks has been tracked since at least mid-June, with the first investigation by the FDA starting on June 3. Despite the efforts to identify the source, no product has been linked to the parasite or any other outbreak.
According to the CDC, multiple jurisdictions have reported an increase in cases in the last two weeks compared to the same period in 2025. The agency assumes a 6-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting, which means that case counts will continue to rise as data are received.
As of July 9, the CDC has confirmed 843 cases of the nationally notifiable disease in 31 states, with 86 hospitalizations. However, officials are aware of at least 1,500 more cases that have not yet been confirmed as domestically acquired in the United States.
The infection is generally not life-threatening, but dehydration linked to frequent and sometimes explosive diarrhea can require hospitalization, especially in younger or older people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Outbreaks in the United States have previously been linked to bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro and basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. Health officials are urging people to be cautious when consuming these foods, especially during the summer months.
The CDC is working closely with state and local health agencies to investigate the outbreak and identify the source. In the meantime, people are advised to take precautions when consuming foods that may be contaminated.
