Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It primarily affects humans, causing prolonged watery diarrhea, and is most often linked to consuming contaminated fresh produce or water. While found globally, outbreaks have been common in developed countries due to imported produce.
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The parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis* was first observed in stools in 1979 but was recognized as a significant human pathogen in the early 1990s. Its historical significance grew due to large foodborne and waterborne outbreaks, particularly in North America, often linked to contaminated fresh produce. This led to increased public health awareness and research into its epidemiology.
Cyclosporiasis is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, primarily by ingesting food or water contaminated with mature *Cyclospora cayetanensis* oocysts. Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely because the oocysts passed in stool are not immediately infectious; they require days to weeks to sporulate (mature) in the environment. Outbreaks are frequently associated with contaminated fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, or leafy greens.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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With a fast-moving gastrointestinal illness cyclosporiasis infecting thousands in more than 30 states, the popular fast food chain Taco Bell has removed ingredients from some stores in what it said was a precautionary move.
Taco Bell Corp. said it "voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients" at select restaurants. The fast food chain added public health officials haven't "confirmed a link to Taco Bell or any specific ingredient, supplier, restaurant or retailer."
As cyclosporiasis
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The Mexican Ministry of Health has issued an official preventive travel advisory for citizens visiting the United States, warning of a rapidly growing multistate outbreak of Cyclosporiasis -- a parasitic stomach illness known to cause severe diarrhea.
The advisory, issued by the National Committee for Epidemiological Surveillance (CONAVE), has raised the risk level to "Medium" for travelers heading north.
A Spike in Cases Across the U.S.
According to Mexican health officials, U.S. public healt
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the outbreak of cyclosporiasis to iceberg lettuce that Taylor Farms supplied to Taco Bell, according to two federal officials who declined to be named.
It remains unclear if Taylor Farms sent the lettuce to other vendors, said one of the officials, who was not cleared to speak for the administration. The C.D.C. has not publicly announced a source.
A spokeswoman for Taylor Farms did not respond to requests for comment.
In a statement Thu
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Nearly 7,000 cases of the food-borne illness cyclosporiasis have been reported across the United States, according to reports from NBC news. The parasitic infection, which is caused when people drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food, has been identified in at least 34 states, according to the CDC.
Although cases continue to increase, the good news is there are practical steps you can take to significantly reduce yo
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By Tom Polansek and Julie Steenhuysen
July 14 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday it was investigating multiple produce items, including lettuce, in an effort to identify the source of an unusually large cyclosporiasis outbreak, as the number of human cases continued to rise.
No deaths have been reported from the outbreak, but 141 people have been hospitalized and labs have confirmed 1,645 cases across 34 states since May, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease
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Consumers worried about a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, are turning to social media for advice on what foods to avoid as public health officials have yet to identify the source.
The illness can cause long-lasting bouts of explosive diarrhea leading to severe dehydration, particularly in young children, older adults and people who are immunocompromised. Public health experts say it is difficult to dispense safety advice because key deta
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A diarrhea-causing parasite known as cyclospora that causes "explosive diarrhea" is rapidly spreading across the nation - with Michigan being hit the hardest.
Exposure to the parasite by eating or drinking contaminated produce or water leads to cyclosporiasis, an explosive stomach bug that can leave people feeling ill for more than a month.
Cyclosporiasis cases have skyrocketed in Michigan over the last week, the state's health department told the Lansing State Journal. There are now more than
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The illness, which has sickened thousands across much of the United States, is on track to contribute to the largest outbreak in recent history.
In a news release issued Monday, health officials in Michigan identified a possible source of an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness resulting from infection with the parasite cyclospora, which is transmitted through food and water contaminated with feces.
"Current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak," of
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Outbreak comes a year after Trump administration cut funding for state and local health departments
State health officials in Michigan and Ohio are reporting thousands of cases of cyclosporiasis, a - a parasitic infection that causes "watery diarrhea", loss of appetite and weight loss.
The outbreak of more than 2,800 cases comes a year after the Trump administration cut funding to state and local health departments and reduced the remit of a program dedicated to coordinating information on food
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As per an ABC News, cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite are currently being reported in nearly three dozen states.
As of Friday, at least 2,944 cases have been reported in 32 states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments.
According to the CDC, the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher than the reported figure because some people recover without medical care and are not
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View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-18
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