- HEALTH & FITNESS
Outbreak of diarrhea caused by cyclosporiasis spreading in US with cases reported in CA, CDC says
Michigan has the highest number of cases, followed by Ohio and New York
ByMary Kekatos
Saturday, July 11, 2026 8:37PM
SAN FRANCISCO –Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, are currently being reported in nearly three dozen states, according to an ABC News tally
As of Friday, at least 2,944 cases have been reported in 32 states, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments show
In California, data shows there are between 1-10 cases
The CDC said the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher than the reported figure because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for the parasite
Most cases are currently being reported in Michigan with 1,562 as of Friday, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). At least 44 people have been hospitalized in the state
This is 31 times higher than the approximately 50 cases that Michigan sees every year, according to the health department
Michigan health officials previously told ABC News that the working hypothesis is the outbreak is linked to food contamination but, so far, no produce, grower or supplier has been identified
The parasite usually spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, according to the CDC
Foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce and cilantro, the CDC says
New York is reporting the second highest number of cases at 470 since May 1, according to the state department of health, followed by Ohio at 364, according to state health officials. Meanwhile, Illinois and Florida are each reporting more than 100 cases, according to their respective health departments
The most common symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or bloating
The time between becoming infected and showing symptoms is typically about one week but can range from two days to two weeks, the CDC says. The lag can make it difficult to trace back what may have infected someone, doctors previously told ABC News
Cyclosporiasis is treated with the oral antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly sold as Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim, and taken for 10 days, according to the CDC
The agency says people can prevent infection by thoroughly washing produce, cutting away bruised or damaged parts of fruits and vegetables and refrigerating pre-prepared or pre-cut produce
Additionally, the CDC recommends washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables
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