Over 708 cases in Michigan: were confirmed in just 10 days, with experts warning the number could reach 1,000.
The ProMedica Health System: (serving southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio) has accounted for **411 cases** alone.
145 cases across 17 states: were reported between May 1 and June 16, though health officials say this is **likely a significant undercount** due to testing backlogs.
Why this matters:: Unlike norovirus, cyclosporiasis does not spread person-to-person but can linger for weeks if untreated, requiring antibiotics like Bactrim to resolve.
Historical context:: Cyclosporiasis outbreaks historically spike between **May 1 and August 31**, with contaminated fresh produce (raspberries, bagged lettuce, cilantro, basil) being the primary source.
The demand for cyclospora testing has become so intense in affected areas that many labs are struggling to keep up. Turnaround times have stretched from 24 hours to two to three days, and doctors may soon need to treat patients based on symptoms alone rather than waiting for confirmatory results.
Health officials in Michigan are working around the clock. "We're pulling people's grocery shopping lists," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the state. Investigators are asking each patient what restaurants they visited, what they ordered, and what groceries they purchased in the weeks before symptoms began.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed it is actively investigating, but the source remains unknown. The CDC has noted that no single multi-state outbreak link has been identified yet. However, the CDC made tracking cyclospora optional as of July 2025, scaling back its Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network. Food safety experts have warned this change could make it harder to detect and respond to outbreaks like the current one.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*. Key facts about the illness:
Incubation period:: Symptoms typically appear **one to two weeks** after consuming contaminated food.
Common symptoms:: Explosive, watery diarrhea; severe gas; stomach cramps; nausea; loss of appetite.
Duration:: Left untreated, the illness can persist for weeks.
Treatment:: The antibiotic Bactrim is the standard treatment. Some patients have required hospitalization for dehydration.
No deaths: have been reported in this outbreak.
Rinsing produce reduces but does not eliminate the risk, as the parasite "clings to produce," according to Dr. Brian Kaminski of ProMedica Health System. Michigan health officials recommend:
Buying whole heads of lettuce and removing outer leaves, where contamination is most likely, before washing.
Raspberries: are especially difficult to clean because their tiny hairs trap the parasite.
Freezing: may kill the parasite, but this is not guaranteed.
Cooking food: is the only sure way to eliminate cyclospora.
This outbreak is most heavily concentrated in southeastern Michigan and northwest Ohio, but the risk extends to anyone consuming fresh produce from potentially contaminated sources across the 17 states where cases have been reported.
Can cyclosporiasis spread from person to person?
A:: No. Unlike norovirus, cyclospora does not spread person-to-person. It is exclusively foodborne, caused by consuming contaminated fresh produce.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
A:: Symptoms typically develop **one to two weeks** after eating contaminated food, which can make tracing the source difficult.
Is there a treatment for cyclosporiasis?
A:: Yes. It is treated with antibiotics, usually **Bactrim**. Without treatment, the illness can last for weeks.
Can washing produce prevent cyclosporiasis?
A:: Washing reduces the risk but does not eliminate it. Cooking food is the only guaranteed way to kill the parasite.
If you live in or have traveled to affected states: (Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey) and experience persistent watery diarrhea, seek medical attention.
Wash produce thoroughly: , especially lettuce (buy whole heads and remove outer leaves) and raspberries.
Cook your food: to eliminate the parasite entirely — this is the only foolproof method.
Be aware that testing delays: may occur; if symptoms persist, your doctor may treat you based on symptoms alone.
Monitor FDA and CDC updates: as investigations continue into the source of contamination.
Have you or someone you know been affected by this outbreak? Do you think the CDC's decision to make cyclospora tracking optional has made it harder to respond to outbreaks like this? [Share your thoughts with us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cyclosporiasis+outbreak+2026+what+to+know+%7C+Yanuki.com&url=https://yanuki.com/health/infectious-diseases/cyclosporiasis-outbreak-2026?ref=yanuki.com) — your experience could help others recognize symptoms early.
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*Do you think this outbreak will lead to stronger food safety regulations? Let us know!*
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