Parasite causing 'explosive diarrhea' sickening Americans
A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to a foodborne parasite has affected 31 U.S. states, with Michigan reporting over 1,500 cases. Health officials are struggling to identify the specific source of contamination and note that reporting has been complicated by recent policy changes.
Why it matters
The outbreak poses a significant public health challenge, exacerbated by reduced federal surveillance and the difficulty of tracing foodborne pathogens.
Americans across dozens of States have fallen victim to a microscopic foodborne parasite that can cause "explosive diarrhea," U.S. health authorities said.
The midwestern State of Michigan has been at the center of the cyclosporiasis outbreak, with State authorities reporting 1,562 cases as of Friday, July 10, 2026.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that as of Thursday, July 9, 31 States had reported cases of the gastrointestinal illness, with dozens of hospitalizations but no deaths.
Health officials have not identified the cause of contamination that generally stems from fresh produce. Symptoms often lag after infection, making it difficult to pin down the source.
In the past, foods including bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas and scallions have been linked to cyclosporiasis.
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