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
Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance
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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.
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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 Washington yet. Here are the latest Cyclosporiasis reports from our global surveillance network.
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,…
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…
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…
Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. 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 contamina…
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…
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 weigh…
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 illnes…
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