The parasitic infection, cyclosporiasis, is spreading across the country and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports as July 9, 843 cases in 31 states.
However, the CDC numbers are lagging as proven by the numbers being reported by Michigan health officials, which as of today have reported in excess of 2,500 cases.
New York State and New York City have also seen big increases in the parasite in recent weeks.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and New York City Health Department (NYC Health Department) are investigating an increase of cyclosporiasis in the state (more than 500 cases):
In 2026, 129 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in New York State outside of New York City as of 7/8/2026, exceeding the typical baseline of 20- 55 cases by early July.
In NYC, 381 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in 2026 to date which is approximately a three-fold increase compared to the same time period in 2025.
Cyclospora is a unicellular parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Because Cyclospora is a coccidian parasite, infected people shed oocysts (rather than cysts) in their feces. These oocysts must mature (sporulate) outside the host, in the environment, to become infective for someone else. The process of sporulation requires approximately 1–2 weeks in favorable environmental conditions, and consequently, Cyclospora is not transmitted by direct person-toperson contact. Cyclospora infection is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water, with recent outbreaks in the U.S. linked to various types of imported fresh produce.
Previous U.S. outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce (e.g., basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas).
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People of all ages are at risk of infection. Travelers to countries in the tropics and subtropics may be at increased risk because cyclosporiasis is endemic in some countries. Some infected persons are asymptomatic, particularly in settings where cyclosporiasis is endemic. Among symptomatic people, the incubation period averages ~1 week (ranges from ~2–14 or more days). Cyclospora infects the small intestine and typically causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, copious, stools. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping/bloating, increased flatus, nausea, and prolonged fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, lowgrade fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. If untreated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer and may follow a remitting-relapsing course. Although cyclosporiasis usually is not life threatening, reported complications have included malabsorption, cholecystitis, and reactive arthritis. Symptomatic reinfection can occur. Cyclospora is unlikely to be killed by routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods.