Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Surges: Guidelines for Safe Food Consumption A growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has led to over 7,000 confirmed or under-investigation cases across 34 U.S. states since May 1, 2026. Michigan and Ohio are reporting more than 4,000 cases, with linked cases in West Virginia and Kentucky. Health officials have not yet identified a specific type of produce, grower, or supplier as the source, though lettuce and salad greens are under scrutiny. The outbreak has prompted warnings from federal and state agencies, urging consumers to adopt heightened food safety measures. Experts emphasize that cyclospora, a hardy parasite, adheres strongly to fresh produce surfaces and is not easily transmitted between people. Symptoms typically appear two days to two weeks after infection and include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. While treatable with antibiotics, the illness can last weeks without medical intervention and may lead to dehydration. Approximately 1 in 11 cases has required hospitalization, though no deaths have been reported. High-risk groups include young children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised patients, who face a greater likelihood of severe complications. Dr. Dan Barouch, a virology expert, noted that while most healthy individuals experience mild symptoms, those at higher risk should take extra precautions. Michigan health officials have advised shoppers to avoid precut or packaged greens and opt for whole, uncut produce, as these items undergo less handling and are less likely to harbor contamination. Bagged salad mixes and kits have been linked to previous cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S.#cdc #dr_dan_barouch #dr_gwen_biggerstaff #dr_nuwan_gunawardhana #michigan_health_officials
