Federal health officials report 72 new cases linked to unidentified source
Category: Health
As the summer heat intensifies, so does the concern over foodborne illnesses in the United States. A new outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite Cyclospora, is under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This latest cluster has already sickened at least 72 individuals, but officials have yet to determine the source of the infections.
The FDA announced the investigation on its Foodborne Illness Outbreak website, indicating that the outbreak is separate from previously reported cases linked to contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms. This earlier outbreak has affected thousands across several Midwestern states, highlighting the growing concern over food safety as the number of cases continues to climb.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since May 1, 2026, there have been 4,173 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis reported across 41 states. An additional 7,400 cases are pending confirmation, with a substantial number of these cases originating from Michigan and Ohio. The CDC has also reported 767 travel-linked cases during this period, resulting in 33 hospitalizations, but no deaths have been recorded.
Michigan has emerged as the hardest-hit state, with local health officials noting that more than 7,600 residents have been affected, including 160 who required hospitalization. The state’s health department continues to monitor the situation closely, as the outbreak appears to be linked to food products consumed in the region.
In a related development, the FDA remains focused on the earlier outbreak associated with iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Farms. This outbreak has sickened over 11,000 people across five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The lettuce, which was grown in central Mexico, was recalled on July 17, and officials are urging consumers to avoid any products from this batch.
“I want to stress that our investigation continues, including into other potential sources and commodities for other clusters of illness,” said Kyle Diamantas, JD, acting FDA commissioner, during a media call. He indicated that this year could potentially be the worst on record for cyclosporiasis if current trends persist.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that primarily infects food that has come into contact with human feces, often through contaminated water used for irrigation or washing. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. In severe cases, prolonged symptoms may necessitate medical intervention.
Dr. Steven Goldberg, chief medical officer for HealthTrackRx, emphasizes that the parasite often hides in rough, irregular surfaces of fresh produce, making it difficult to wash away completely. Common food items associated with cyclospora outbreaks include fresh herbs, leafy greens, and berries.
To mitigate the risk of infection, health officials recommend several preventive measures:
Cooking food to an internal temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) can also kill the parasite, providing an added layer of safety.
As the outbreak investigation continues, health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to seek medical attention. Symptoms typically manifest between two days and two weeks after exposure, making timely diagnosis and treatment imperative. If you experience severe symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or an inability to keep fluids down, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Gwen Biggerstaff, deputy director of the CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, noted that investigations into foodborne illness outbreaks can take considerable time. As such, the true extent of the current outbreak may not be fully understood for some time.
In light of these developments, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about food safety recalls and outbreaks. The FDA and CDC will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
The bottom line is that vigilance is key in preventing foodborne illnesses like cyclosporiasis. By following proper food safety practices and being aware of current outbreaks, you can help protect yourself and your family from potential health risks.