Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
A parasitic outbreak that is sickening people across the country is affecting people in Connecticut, the Department of Health said in a statement Monday
DPH has confirmed 35 cases of cyclosporiasis this year, nearly double the usual number. Outbreaks of the intestinal illness are typically linked to fresh produce including bagged salad, but no specific food has been identified as the cause of the current outbreak, which has been reported in 17 countries
The greatest number of cases has been reported in Michigan, which, as of Monday, had confirmed 2,640 cases, with 44 people hospitalized for severe symptoms
According to Michigan.gov, “Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea. The time between being exposed and becoming sick is usually about one week but can range from two days to two weeks or more. Untreated, the illness may last from a few days to more than a month. Symptoms may go away and then return.
“Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, but dehydration from frequent bouts of diarrhea can cause severe illness, particularly among younger or older people and those who have weakened immune systems.”
The illness is usually treated with antibiotics, rest and adequate hydration, the CT DPH said
Public health officials across the country are working to identify thebeen found
In Connecticut, “DPH is actively monitoring the situation, interviewing all reported cases, and urging residents to follow safe food-handling and produce-washing practices to reduce their risk,” the agency said
In addition to bagged salad, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions have also been linked to past outbreaks
To mitigate the risk of exposure,Yale School of Public Health posted on its social channels that cooking produce is safest
“While washing produce is always important and could reduce risk, cooking produce is a more reliable way to kill the parasite,” the school said. An accompanying meme called the “Marked Safe From Explosive Diarrhea Starter Pack,” suggests “Let’s make jam!” and advises cooking produce to 158 degrees when possible, washing all produce under running water, and scrubbing firm fruits with a brush. Avoiding bagged salad is recommended and two to three outer leaves of lettuce heads should be discarded, the school said. Finally, “Wash your hands.”
Connecticut healthcare providers must report cases of cyclosporiasis to DPH and the agency conducts statewide surveillance, interviewing patient to try to determine a potential source
“Connecticut’s first cyclosporiasis case of 2026 was reported on May 2. Of the 35 confirmed cases with available information, 22 originated in the United States, and 5 were linked to international travel. Officials are still investigating where the remaining cases were exposed,” DPH said
“Connecticut’s surveillance system is doing exactly what it should: identifying cases, tracking exposures, and helping us stay ahead of this illness,” said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. “We want to reassure residents that cyclosporiasis is treatable and we have not identified a Connecticut-specific source. At the same time, we encourage everyone, especially those at higher risk, to take a few simple precautions with fresh produce this summer. Washing your produce thoroughly, buying whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed bagged varieties, and cooking herbs and leafy greens when possible are steps that go a long way.”
- Wash all fresh produce under clean running water before eating, even if you plan to peel it.
- Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged salad mixes. Remove and discard the outer two to three layers of leaves and wash inner leaves under running water.
- Wash cilantro, basil, and green onions thoroughly under running water, separating leaves. These items are safest when cooked.
- Cook produce when possible. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing food.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils before and after handling food.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.
People experiencing sudden and persistent diarrhea, particularly watery or explosive diarrhea, are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider
For more information, visit cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis
