THOUSANDS of Americans have fallen ill in an ongoing outbreak of a parasite that can cause explosive diarrhea.
The CDC is tracking the surge and has released a troubling map showing that the spread has hit at least 31 states and caused 86 hospitalizations.
Thousands of Americans have been taken down by the parasite, with officials warning that symptoms can last for up to a month and patients can relapse without treatment (stock) Credit: Getty
The CDC’s latest map shows the extent of the outbreak, with the worst cases in Michigan Credit: CDC
Cyclosporiasis affects the intestines and is caused by a parasite that usually comes from contaminated raw fresh produce or water.
According to state data, at least 2,944 cases have been reported in over 30 states, with Michigan being the worst affected, with 1,562 cases there alone, including at least 44 hospitalizations, as of July 10.
Sign up for the Health newsletter
Thank you!
This is followed by Ohio reporting over 1,000 and New York with at least 470 cases since May 1.
Meanwhile, as of July 9, the CDC is reporting 843 cases in 31 states with 86 hospitalizations as it uses different parameters for its data .
HEALTH KICK
I lost 215lbs in under 4 years without Ozempic thanks to ’10-minute’ daily plan
CDC numbers and state numbers differ because the CDC only reported lab-confirmed cases that were definitely contracted inside the US rather than from a trip abroad on or after May 1.
“CDC is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed,” the agency states.
“Since May 1, 2026, CDC has received reports of 843 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 1,500 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis.”
Aside from the difference in official data, the true number of cases is believed to be higher than what is reported as some people will be asymptomatic and others will recover without being tested.
No deaths have been reported as a result of the outbreak.
Most people suffering from the parasite will experience watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” the CDC states.
Nausea, vomiting, severe fatigue, stomach pain, and bloating, are also signs of cyclosporiasis and it can take up to two weeks from consumption for symptoms to show.
Young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
The parasite clings onto fresh produce like vegetables, salad leaves, and herbs (stock) Credit: Getty
Cyclospora can cause explosive diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and severe fatigue Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cases are typically treated with antibiotics and increased fluid intake.
Authorities are still working to track down the source of the foodborne parasite which still remains unclear.
While there are usually small outbreaks of this illness every year, these numbers are “highly unusual,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive of Michigan told Jattvibe News.
With such spread across the country, it is still not known if the cases are all connected and can be tracked down to one source.
Local and federal officials are investigating and no recalls have been ordered as of yet.
The best methods to try to stay safe from the parasite is to thoroughly wash all fresh produce, cook it rather than eat it raw, and wash your hands before food preparation and after using the bathroom.
It is also always best practice to regularly wipe down and clean surfaces in kitchen and eating areas.
However, Americans are not being urged to change their eating habits.
“We know that fresh produce is part of a healthy diet. We know that cyclospora cases peak between May and August, which is also prime fresh produce eating season,” Donald Schaffner, a food microbiology professor and department chair of the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University told Jattvibe News.
“I can tell you that I’m not going to change my consumption habits.”
Anyone with symptoms is urged to contact their healthcare provider for testing and treatment.
Those who are sick and who go untreated can experience symptoms for up to a month or longer, and suffer relapses, the CDC warns.
