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Over 11,000 cases of cyclosporiasis suspected in US: The states seeing spikes
US health officials are investigating a sharp rise in cyclosporiasis, a food-borne intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. More than 11,000 confirmed and suspected domestic cases have been reported across 41 states, making 2026 likely to be the country’s worst year for the infection and prompting investigations into several potential outbreaks.
The CDC had confirmed 4,173 cases between 1 May and 20 July, with more than 7,400 further reports awaiting confirmation; 308 people had been hospitalised and no deaths reported. Michigan and Ohio account for many of the additional reports, while one nine-state outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce and led to a Taylor Farms recall; officials caution that cases may rise further because reporting typically lags illness by about six weeks.
In short
- Suspected US cyclosporiasis cases exceed 11,000 across 41 states.
- Michigan and Ohio have reported many of the additional cases.
- A nine-state outbreak has been linked to recalled iceberg lettuce.
Explained simply
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite called Cyclospora. People usually become infected by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite, and symptoms can include prolonged diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
The illness is monitored by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alongside state health departments. Cases can be difficult to trace because symptoms may begin days after exposure, and reports often reach officials weeks after someone becomes ill.
Food-related investigations look for links between patients’ meals and possible sources of contamination. Identifying a source can help officials advise the public and food businesses, and guide steps to limit further infections.