The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with state and federal health agencies to investigate several outbreaks of cyclosporiasis. Efforts to determine and confirm the sources of these outbreaks are still underway.
A large outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been reported in at least four Midwestern states. Public health officials are interviewing people who became sick to learn what foods they ate before their symptoms began.
So far, investigators have not confirmed a specific food as the source. Health agencies are continuing to gather information in an effort to identify what caused the outbreak.
Cases Have Increased Since May
The CDC says it is concerned about the rise in cyclosporiasis cases since the beginning of May. In addition to the large multistate outbreak, federal and state officials are investigating several other clusters of illness across the United States.
Cyclosporiasis is generally not life threatening, but some people can become very sick and may need to be hospitalized. Anyone experiencing possible symptoms should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
CDC and FDA Collecting Outbreak Data
The CDC, public health and regulatory agencies in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are reviewing multiple types of information as part of the investigation.
As of July 13, more than 400 people infected with Cyclospora had been reported to the CDC in connection with the outbreak. Cases have been identified in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
The CDC is also aware of additional illnesses that remain under investigation. People linked to the outbreak reported becoming sick on or after June 22, 2026.
Actual Case Count May Be Higher
Health officials believe the true number of illnesses is probably greater than the confirmed total. The outbreak may also extend beyond the four states where cases have already been identified.
Some infected people recover without seeking medical care and are never tested for Cyclospora. Recent illnesses may also be missing from the official count because it can take several weeks to determine whether a case is connected to an outbreak.
To help identify the source, public health officials collect information from patients about their age, race, ethnicity, other demographic details, and the foods they ate before becoming sick. These responses may reveal patterns that help investigators trace the contaminated food.
What To Do If You Have Symptoms
Contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis.
Symptoms can vary and usually appear about one week after infection (ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks or more).
Without treatment, symptoms may continue for several days, a month, or even longer.
Help Investigators Find the Contaminated Food
People diagnosed with cyclosporiasis may be contacted by local or state health officials. Investigators may ask what they ate during the two weeks before they became ill.
Providing detailed information can help health agencies identify the food responsible for the outbreak.
How To Reduce Your Risk
Learn which foods are more likely to be associated with cyclosporiasis and what steps can help prevent infection.
Consumers should also stay up to date on food recalls and outbreaks.
Guidance for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers should report cyclosporiasis cases to their local health department.
Additional information about symptoms, treatment, and patient management is available through Clinical Care of Cyclosporiasis.
