What is cyclosporiasis? | Explained

A widespread outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness has been reported in the United States. The infection, cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora parasite, occurs when people consume or water that contains the parasite. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a health advisory issued on July 14, 2026, it has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1 and is aware of 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness, from 34 states, substantially higher than the 249 cases reported in the country by this same time last year. Case counts typically rise during spring and summer months, and CDC considers May 1-August 31 the annual cyclosporiasis season. Because cyclosporiasis is often underdiagnosed and underreported, the true number of illnesses is likely higher than what has been reported, it noted. At present, a specific food item has not yet been confirmed as the source.