(OPGOV GLOBAL) - 31 states, now including California, have reported the spread of Cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
The intestinal illness causes infection through contaminated water and food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Photo Credit: CDC.gov
Symptoms associated with the illness include fatigue, excessive diarrhea, and explosive bowel movements. While 843 cases were reported as of Jul. 9, numbers are estimated to be much higher since that time. The illness is primarily concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States, with Michigan experiencing the highest number of cases.
Information regarding Cyclosporiasis also indicates that the source of the illness stems from contaminated produce, such as lettuce or salad greens. Despite this, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) explicitly states that there hasn't been any supplier, grower, or even specific produce directly connected to the initial outbreak, as it is still being investigated.
Photo Credit: CDC.gov
The number of confirmed cases in Michigan have exceeded 3,300 as of Tuesday, Jul. 14.
“The CDC is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed,” CDC.gov states.
Within this surge, California represents a small fraction of this number, lying within the “1 to 10” category among reported cases of the illness as of recently. Though California did initially have 41 reported provisional cases between January 2026 and June 2026, officials have indicated that those infected with Cyclosporiasis during that time period in California are not connected to the main outbreak happening in the Midwest and eastern United States regions.
Photo Credit: CDC.gov
With this, those currently infected within California are not suspected to be connected to the current outbreak in the Midwest and Northeast regions through domestic food and water consumption. California cases are primarily associated with international travel, officials currently say.
According to the C.D.C., Cyclosporiasis can be treated with Bactrim, Septra, & Cotrim, which are antibiotics available through prescription only. These treatments are used as a last resort for serious complications associated with the illness, as most cases clear up on their own with time, rest, and hydration.
Officials also urge people to thoroughly wash lettuce or green salads known to commonly be contaminated with parasite.
If you have any questions, concerns or comments please email me at yikaileau.w@lead4earth.org
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