Cyclospora Outbreak Sickens Thousands Across United States

Key facts

• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 cases of cyclosporiasis and is investigating over 5,100 possible cases across 34 states.
• The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis causes cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness with symptoms including watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and fatigue.
• The 2026 outbreak has already surpassed the previous national record set in 2019, making it the worst year on record for reported infections.
• The hardest-hit states include Michigan with over 3,300 cases, Ohio with over 1,100, New York City with over 400, and Illinois with over 200.
• Michigan officials suspect lettuce or salad greens as a common factor based on interviews with more than 1,000 patients, but no single source has been confirmed.
• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting traceback investigations on multiple produce items such as bagged salad mixes, cilantro, basil, and raspberries to identify contamination sources.