Health officials in several states are tracking new cases of cyclosporiasis. Cyclosporiasis is a food poisoning caused by a parasite that causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including severe diarrhea.
At least three cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in Wyoming as of early July. Cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection known to cause severe diarrhea, have been reported in all but eight states, USA TODAY reported.
NBC News/Today’s tally of state reports found more than 4,000 reported cases nationwide as of July 13, 2026, but these numbers are not directly comparable to the national surveillance numbers confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Michigan has officially reported 2,640 cases to date. According to the CDC, as of July 9, no deaths have been reported.
Which states have confirmed cases of cyclosporosis?
The actual number of people infected with cyclosporiasis is likely to be higher than reported because many people recover without seeking medical care and therefore are not tested for cyclosporiasis.
The states with the highest number of parasitic disease cases include Michigan, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and North Carolina, NBC News reported.
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Differences and overlap between crosspolyiasis and other gastrointestinal diseases
Cyclosporiasis can present with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue that overlap considerably with other gastrointestinal diseases, making clinical diagnosis difficult without specialized laboratory tests to identify the causative pathogen.
Although cyclosporiasis has received a lot of public attention, other diseases such as E. coli/STEC and Salmonella enterica are much more common in the United States and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Compare them below.
Food handling guidance
A variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are associated with the development of cyclosporiasis, including bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, basil and parsley, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions.
The state health department has issued the following guidance to avoid the spread of cyclosporiasis:
- Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces. Avoid drinking or cooking with untreated water.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom and before, during, and after preparing food.
- Wash all food preparation surfaces, including utensils, cutting boards, and countertops, before and after use.
- Wash and peel vegetables before eating. Give skinned produce such as melons and cucumbers a good rub. Cut out any damaged or bruised parts of fruits and vegetables before cooking and eating.
- Refrigerate cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within 2 hours).
- Cook your food when you can. Cyclospora is killed when food is heated above 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Contributor: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY
