Outbreak of Cyclospora Cayetanensis Affects 145 Individuals Across 20 States

A significant outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis has led to 145 reported cases across 20 states in the US, with health officials investigating the source. The CDC has noted that symptoms include severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps, affecting individuals aged 5 to 86. While 20 people have been hospitalized, no deaths have occurred. The outbreak is believed to be linked to contaminated food, as none of the patients traveled internationally. New York has the highest number of cases, prompting health authorities to recommend safe food handling practices. Read on for more details about the affected states and treatment options.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 07:05 IST

Overview of the Outbreak

A recent outbreak of a parasite responsible for severe, watery diarrhea has impacted 145 individuals in 20 states across the United States. This situation has led to an ongoing investigation by both federal and state health authorities to determine the outbreak's origin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the cases emerged between May and June 16, involving patients aged from 5 to 86 years. While 20 individuals have been hospitalized, there have been no fatalities linked to this outbreak.

Health officials suspect that the illnesses are connected to contaminated food sources, as none of the affected individuals have reported any recent international travel. However, the precise source of the contamination remains unidentified.

The parasite in question, Cyclospora cayetanensis, is known to cause cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness characterized by explosive diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Symptoms typically manifest about a week post-infection and primarily affect the intestines, although some individuals may remain asymptomatic.

The CDC has indicated that local, state, and federal health authorities are examining several clusters of cases that span multiple states. They also highlighted that the actual number of infections could be higher, as some cases may not have been diagnosed.

States Impacted by the Outbreak

List of 20 States Affected By The Outbreak

The CDC has confirmed cases in the following states and Washington, DC:

New York
New Jersey
Connecticut
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
North Carolina
Ohio
Tennessee
Wisconsin
Illinois
Georgia
Florida
Texas
Louisiana
Colorado
Alaska
Washington, DC

Among these states, New York has reported the highest number of cases, with estimates ranging from 31 to 80 infections. Texas and Illinois follow, each reporting between 11 and 30 cases.

Although cyclosporiasis can resolve without treatment, symptoms may persist for a month or longer if not addressed, which raises the risk of dehydration. The CDC recommends treating the infection with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, marketed under the brand names Bactrim, Septra, and Cotrim. Additionally, the agency advises adhering to safe food handling and storage practices, as previous outbreaks in the US have been associated with imported fresh produce, such as cilantro, raspberries, sweet peas, mesclun lettuce, and basil.