ATLANTA—The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened hundreds of people as federal and state health officials work to identify the food source responsible for the infections.
The CDC said 145 domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis had been reported across 17 states between May 1 and June 16, with 20 people hospitalized and no deaths reported. The agency, working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state health departments, said investigations into several illness clusters are ongoing and that no single contaminated food item has yet been identified.
Separately, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the state had recorded about 170 confirmed cases as of June 30, far above its typical annual total, highlighting a rapid rise in infections that occurred after the CDC's latest national surveillance update. State officials said they are investigating alongside local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which spreads through food or water contaminated with fecal matter. According to the CDC, the illness is not generally transmitted directly from person to person because the parasite requires time outside the human body before becoming infectious.
Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, which can be severe, along with loss of appetite, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Illness can last for weeks or recur if left untreated, though it can be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Health officials advise people experiencing prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical evaluation and testing.
The CDC said many patients reported no recent international travel, suggesting they were infected through food consumed in the United States. Fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs and berries, has been linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks, although investigators have not identified a common source in the current cases.
Federal officials said multiple clusters are being examined and cautioned that the reported cases do not necessarily represent a single nationwide outbreak. Investigators continue interviewing patients and tracing food exposures to determine whether separate clusters share common sources.
The CDC said the true number of illnesses is likely higher than confirmed reports because some infected people recover without seeking medical care or undergoing laboratory testing. The agency continues to monitor new reports as the investigation remains active.
