CDC Logs Record Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Topping 18,000 Cases

The U.S. is seeing its largest recorded outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection usually spread through contaminated fresh produce. In a July 29 update cited by Becker's Hospital Review, the CDC reported that cases have topped 18,000, surpassing any prior year.

Since mid-May, the CDC has confirmed 7,725 cases and 465 hospitalizations. Of those, 6,707 were domestic infections and 1,018 were linked to international travel. Cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, produces prolonged and often relapsing diarrhea. It is typically treated with antibiotics, but cases can drag on for weeks without proper diagnosis.

For hospitals and clinicians, the scale is the story. Rising case counts mean more emergency and primary care visits, and providers should keep the parasite on their radar when patients present with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Standard stool tests do not always detect it, so specific testing may be needed to confirm and treat quickly.