US Health Officials Investigate Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak Infecting 145 People
US health authorities are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite causing prolonged watery diarrhea, after at least 145 people were infected and 20 hospitalized. The cases were reported between May 1 and June 16 across 17 states, with the highest numbers in New York (31-80 cases), Illinois, and Texas (11-30 cases each). The median age of patients was 42, with 61% being women. No deaths have been reported so far.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that all infected individuals had no recent travel outside the US, suggesting exposure through contaminated food consumed domestically. The investigation is ongoing to identify the specific food source responsible. Cyclospora causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection with symptoms appearing about a week after exposure, primarily watery diarrhea, along with appetite loss, weight loss, abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes flu-like symptoms. Without antibiotic treatment, symptoms can last days to over a month.
Professor Tal Brosh, head of infectious diseases at Assuta Ashdod Hospital and the Ministry of Health's epidemic response team, noted that Cyclospora is common in Central and South America, Africa, and East Asia, usually linked to contaminated food or water. He said the disease is rare in Israel and mostly seen in travelers returning from endemic regions. The CDC emphasized that Cyclospora does not spread person-to-person, reinforcing the theory that all cases stem from a common contaminated food source.
The CDC also highlighted that cyclosporiasis cases typically rise during spring and summer, defining May 1 to August 31 as the peak season. Additionally, 45 cases linked to travel outside the US were reported by June 16, with three hospitalizations and no deaths. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to collaborate with state and local health departments to trace the outbreak's source and prevent further infections.
