Cyclosporiasis Outbreak 2026: What the CDC Says and How to Stay Safe
By Garett Eversley · · 2 min read
Have you ever heard of cyclosporiasis? The CDC reports that a parasite causing diarrhea is spreading across the United States, and over half the states now have cases. On July 10, the CDC said 31 states have at least one confirmed case.
Those states include Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Michigan is seeing the fastest rise
State health officials reported 2,640 cases on July 13 — a big jump from 1,251 cases just a few days earlier. Forty-four people in Michigan have had to go to the hospital.
By July 9, the CDC had 843 confirmed cases nationwide. They suspect about 1,500 more, but those still need additional testing. State numbers may count both confirmed and suspected cases. Federal and state agencies are working to find the source of the outbreak.
Michigan officials still do not know exactly what is spreading the parasite. Dr. Peter Gulick, an infectious disease expert in Michigan, has said these outbreaks are hard to track because they are so spread out.
Where the parasite comes from
These infections happen every summer. Past cases have been traced to contaminated fresh produce like lettuce, raspberries, and scallions.
How to stay safe
Health officials recommend a few simple precautions:
- Wash your hands before and after handling produce.
- Avoid bagged salads and pre-mixed greens.
- If you buy whole lettuce, cilantro, or raspberries, wash them well and cut off any bruised parts.
- When in doubt, cook the items or make jam to stay safe.
Dr. Gulick is skipping salads for now, and suggests washing raw produce in vinegar as an extra precaution.
Symptoms and treatment
Cyclosporiasis causes stomach pain and watery stool. Doctors diagnose it by testing stool samples, and most people are treated with antibiotics.
You can learn more about this parasite from KTLA News.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is cyclosporiasis?
- Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It typically causes watery diarrhea and stomach pain, and people usually catch it from eating fresh produce that has been contaminated. Doctors diagnose it with a stool sample test, and it is most often treated with antibiotics.
- Which states have cyclosporiasis cases in 2026?
- As of July 10, the CDC reported cases in 31 states, including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Michigan has seen the fastest rise.
- How can I protect myself from cyclosporiasis?
- Wash your hands before and after handling produce, avoid bagged salads and pre-mixed greens, and thoroughly wash whole lettuce, cilantro, and raspberries before eating. Cut away any bruised parts. Cooking produce or washing it in vinegar can add an extra layer of safety.
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