Parasite causing major stomach symptoms - KTVU
The CDC is investigating a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic gastrointestinal illness affecting at least 31 states. While no deaths have been reported, hundreds of cases have required hospitalization as health officials work to identify the source.
Why it matters
Public health outbreaks require coordinated government response and consumer awareness to prevent further spread of foodborne illnesses.
At least 31 states, now including California, are investigating potential cases of cyclosporiasis, the parasite known to cause "explosive diarrhea."The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an update on Friday as the parasite continues to spread across the U.S.Since May 1, 2026, the CDC said it has received reports of 843 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 1,500 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis, according to Friday’s update.However, state and local health officials have reported much higher numbers. The CDC noted that it is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and said it is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed.
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