Parasite causing major stomach symptoms
Public health officials speak on a parasite, Cyclosporiasis, that is spreading across nation that causes major stomach symptoms. Officials are investigating how the food-borne outbreak began
OAKLAND, Calif. -At least 31 states, now including California, are investigating potential cases of cyclosporiasis, the parasite known to cause “explosive diarrhea.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an update on Friday as the parasite continues to spread across the U.S
CDC has received reports of hundreds of cases
Since May 1, 2026, the CDC said it has received reports of 843 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 1,500 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis, according to Friday’s update
However, state and local health officials have reported much higher numbers. The CDC noted that it is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and said it is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed.
According to the agency, those who contracted the illness became sick after eating food in the United States and did not report any travel during the 14 days before they got sick
The CDC reported that 86 people have been hospitalized due to cyclosporiasis, but no deaths have been reported
According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. (Photo: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How many cyclosporiasis cases in California?
Since May 1, cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across 31 states
The CDC reports one to 10 cases in California
So far this year, multiple states have reported an increase in cases in the last two weeks compared to the same period in 2025
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, there have been 1,562 total cases in Michigan and 44 reported cases hospitalized as of Friday, July 10
Michigan continues to be one of the hardest-hit states in the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak
The CDC said state and federal partners are working together to investigate several outbreaks of cyclosporiasis. Investigations to identify the
What is cyclosporiasis?
According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora
Experts say it’s usually found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces. It doesn’t spread from person-to-person.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss
For people who do not get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times
Public health officials haven’t linked the most recent outbreak to a specific type of produce grower or supplies, or a specific type of produce as a potential
However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a list of produce that has been tied to previous outbreaks, including:
- Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Fresh basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Green onions (scallions)
Preventing cyclosporiasis
Health officials say rinsing produce with running water and rubbing the surface of the fruit or vegetable can help to prevent the illness. They also say to consider frozen over fresh, although that doesn’t completely eliminate the risk. It’s safest if it’s cooked.
Theor Disease Control and Prevention, along with previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Los Angeles. Heather Miller contributed
CaliforniaHealth
