CDC Adds Six States to Largest U.S. Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Amid Rising Cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has widened the scope of the United States’ largest recorded cyclosporiasis outbreak to include six additional states—Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina. Federal data now show 6,707 confirmed infections and roughly 11,500 suspected cases awaiting lab confirmation. Michigan has reported two deaths among those infected, both individuals having significant underlying health issues that may have been worsened by the parasite and dehydration.

While suspected cases continue to be concentrated in Michigan and Ohio, the parasite has been identified in 45 states since the outbreak began in May. Cyclosporiasis, caused by the microscopic Cyclospora cayetanensis, spreads via the fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water and produces diarrhea, fatigue, fever and other gastrointestinal symptoms that can persist for weeks without treatment. Officials urge those affected to maintain hydration and seek medical care. The CDC’s expanded alert underscores the ongoing public-health challenge posed by the outbreak.