ATLANTA—U.S. health officials said the country's ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak has surpassed 5,000 reported cases under investigation across multiple states, as federal and state authorities continue efforts to identify the contaminated food source driving one of the largest outbreaks of the parasitic illness on record.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said 1,645 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cases had been reported as of July 13 across 34 states, with 141 hospitalizations and no deaths. The agency said the confirmed total is expected to increase because reporting typically lags illness onset by several weeks. Separately, more than 5,100 additional cases are under investigation by health authorities.
State health departments, particularly in Michigan, have reported substantially higher numbers of suspected infections than those currently reflected in CDC laboratory-confirmed totals. Michigan has recorded more than 3,300 suspected cases, while additional cases have been reported in states including Ohio and New York, according to state officials.
Investigators from the CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state agencies have not identified a single confirmed source of contamination. Officials said supply-chain tracing and genetic sequencing remain underway. Michigan health authorities have identified lettuce and other salad greens as a potential source based on patient interviews, but no specific producer, distributor or brand has been confirmed.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is commonly linked to food or water contaminated with fecal matter, often involving fresh produce. Symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and fatigue.
Federal and state health officials said the investigation remains active, and additional confirmed cases may be reported as laboratory testing and case verification continue.
