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By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
US health authorities are investigating a large outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has affected nearly 7,000 people across dozens of states, making it one of the most significant outbreaks of the parasitic illness recorded in recent years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), working alongside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state health departments, said 1,645 infections have been confirmed, while more than 5,100 additional suspected cases remain under investigation. The illnesses have been reported in 34 states since May, and officials are still working to identify the source of the outbreak.
The investigation focuses on identifying the source
Federal and state investigators are tracing potential links between patients in an effort to determine which food product may have been contaminated.
Although no single source has yet been confirmed, cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States have historically been associated with fresh produce such as leafy greens, herbs, berries, and other fruits and vegetables that are often consumed raw. Officials cautioned that it remains too early to identify a specific product responsible for the current outbreak.
Health authorities noted that different clusters of cases may have different origins, further complicating the investigation.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Because the organism requires time outside the human body before becoming infectious, direct person-to-person transmission is considered unlikely.
Symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Bloating
Without treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks or even months and may recur after temporarily improving.
Hospitalizations reported
Among confirmed cases with available clinical information, approximately 9% of patients have required hospitalization.
No deaths linked to the outbreak have been reported.
Health officials believe the true number of infections is likely considerably higher because cyclosporiasis is frequently underdiagnosed and many patients are not specifically tested for the parasite.
Healthcare providers urged to remain vigilant
The CDC has issued a nationwide advisory urging healthcare professionals to consider cyclosporiasis when evaluating patients with prolonged or severe diarrheal illness, particularly during the summer months when cases typically increase.
Because routine stool tests do not always detect Cyclospora, clinicians are encouraged to request parasite-specific laboratory testing when symptoms are consistent with the disease. Appropriate treatment with prescription antibiotics is generally effective once the infection has been identified.
Public advised to practice food safety
While investigators continue searching for the source, public health officials recommend basic food safety measures, including thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables, practicing good hand hygiene and seeking medical attention if persistent gastrointestinal symptoms develop.
The outbreak remains under active investigation, and authorities expect additional confirmed cases as laboratory testing and epidemiological analysis continue over the coming weeks.