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.
No active Cyclosporiasis reports in California right now.
It can change overnight. Be the first to know when it does.
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
Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance
Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Cyclosporiasis activity across California. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.
Get instant push notifications when Cyclosporiasis activity increases in California or your specific county.
For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to California, visit your state health department's website.
Whether you live in California or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.
Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.
Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.
Get Cyclosporiasis alerts for California.
Know the moment activity changes. Weekly digest included.
Trusted information from leading health organizations
Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View CDC Resources →Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
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
No confirmed cases reported in California yet. Here are the latest Cyclosporiasis reports from our global surveillance network.
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 re…
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…
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,…
While a nationwide surge in cyclosporiasis cases has many concerned about eating certain produce, experts say locally grown fruits and vegetables - like those sold at farmers markets -may be a safer option. Cyclosporiasis, which is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora c…
Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic foodborne illness that has been reported in increasing numbers across the U.S., is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is often found on produce. People can become sick by consuming contaminated food items or water, …
Illness surging in Michigan and other US states is rarely life-threatening, CDC says - but it can have severe effects Cases of cyclosporiasis - a parasitic illness that can cause "explosive", watery diarrhea - have surged across the United States in recent days, health officials…
Taylor Farms, one of the nation's largest producers of leafy greens and fresh vegetables, said on Friday that it would remove its products at the center of a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened more than 1,600 people. Based in California, the family-owned company is in the…
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 hum…
Receive instant push notifications when Cyclosporiasis activity increases in California or your travel destinations. Track 200+ diseases with location-based alerts. Used by healthcare systems, EMS, schools, and travelers worldwide.
Open Web App Enterprise Solutions