Overview
- Federal surveillance shows 145 confirmed Cyclospora infections in 17 states between May 1 and June 16, with at least 20 people hospitalized.
- Michigan health officials separately reported about 170 cases concentrated in seven counties over nine days, a surge that may not be included in the CDC total.
- Cyclospora cayetanensis spreads when food or irrigation water is contaminated with fecal material, and delicate fresh produce such as cilantro, basil and soft berries are often implicated.
- Symptoms include frequent watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea that can last weeks without antibiotic treatment, so health authorities urge people with severe or persistent diarrhea to seek care.
- Public guidance calls for thoroughly washing fresh produce, practicing hand and surface hygiene, cooking risky items when possible, and noting that common bleach wipes do not reliably kill the parasite.