CDC probes multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak, 145 cases

Federal health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of a foodborne parasitic infection that has sickened at least 145 people across 17 states. The outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has resulted in 20 hospitalizations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No deaths have been reported.

The illnesses occurred between May 1 and mid-June, with a median onset date of May 19. Cases have been confirmed in individuals ranging from 5 to 86 years old. Public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases, with the highest numbers reported in New York, followed by Texas and Illinois. Additional cases have been identified in Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C.

Cyclosporiasis is typically acquired by consuming food or water contaminated with feces containing the parasite. A key factor in the investigation is that only 45 of the patients reported recent international travel before becoming ill. This has led investigators to conclude the likely source is a food product...