A parasitic illness known as cyclosporiasis, which frequently triggers bouts of explosive diarrhea, is spreading across the United States with reported cases now exceeding 1,000. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and various state health departments, the illness has sickened hundreds of people across more than 18 states since the seasonal surge began on May 1.
Michigan has been particularly impacted, recording over 700 cases between June 22 and July 6, with 36 individuals requiring hospitalization. This figure represents a more than threefold increase in the state’s total case count compared to 2025. Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, noted on July 7 that no specific produce grower, supplier, or type of produce has been identified as the source of the infections. Health officials urge anyone experiencing sudden and persistent gastrointestinal symptoms to contact their healthcare provider.
Other regions are also managing significant numbers of infections. New York City reported 301 cases as of July 7, with 273 of those occurring since May 1, encompassing both domestic and international travel-related instances. New York State has confirmed an additional 120 cases in the same timeframe. Marissa Crary, a spokesperson for the state, emphasized that while the parasite is generally not life-threatening and typically does not spread directly between people, the department encourages best practices for food safety during the summer months.
In Ohio, the Department of Health reported 177 cases across 43 counties for 2026, with 171 of those occurring in June. Here’s what to know as cases top 1,000. Meanwhile, North Carolina has logged at least 145 cases, and Illinois has reported 141, 59 of which were acquired locally. Matthew Mata, a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Public Health, stated that the state is seeing a higher-than-average number of cases, consistent with broader national trends.
Public health authorities emphasize that there is currently no evidence of a single, multistate outbreak connecting these cases. Instead, the situation appears to be a seasonal surge, which the CDC tracks annually between May 1 and August 31. Officials continue to investigate potential sources for regional clusters and advise that all produce should be thoroughly washed and scrubbed with a brush or sponge, as the parasite is often associated with contaminated, unwashed fresh produce.
"While cyclosporiasis is not likely to spread directly from one person to another, and is generally not life-threatening, as many people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment, the Department encourages all New Yorkers to be aware of the best practices to prevent Cyclospora and other infections common in the summer months," spokesperson Marissa Crary told USA TODAY in a July 7 email.
Gordon told USA TODAY in an email on Tuesday, July 7, that updated data was not yet available and would be published each Thursday.
