Health officials investigate rising cases linked to contaminated produce and water
Category: Health
This July Fourth weekend, many Americans are being warned to be cautious about consuming raw produce. A parasitic infection known as cyclospora is causing severe gastrointestinal illness, with reports of more than 400 cases across 18 states, including a notable spike in Michigan.
As of early July 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 400 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection triggered by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite. This parasite typically spreads through raw produce and water contaminated with human feces, leading to symptoms that include explosive diarrhea, cramps, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever. The CDC has noted that between May 1 and June 16, at least 145 cases were confirmed in 17 states, resulting in 20 hospitalizations, but no deaths have been reported.
Michigan health officials are particularly concerned, as they have reported over 300 cases since June 22, a dramatic increase from their typical annual average of about 50 cases. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) stated that the outbreak is being investigated closely, with public information officer Lynn Sutfin emphasizing, "We are working closely with our state and local partners to identify the source of this outbreak that is making so many people ill as quickly as possible." The cases have been clustered across seven counties: Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee, and Jackson.
New York has also seen a rise in cases, with 107 reported since May 1, and health officials noted that cases in New York City roughly doubled from January to June compared to 2025. Other states reporting cases include Texas, Illinois, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The CDC is currently investigating multiple clusters of cases, but there is no evidence of a single multi-state outbreak linking all cases.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can take anywhere from two days to two weeks to manifest after infection. The most common symptom is "explosive watery diarrhea," according to Dr. Zoe Weiss, director of clinical microbiology at Tufts Medical Center. Other symptoms may include cramping, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, highlighted that many people may dismiss watery diarrhea, but it is important to seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment typically involves the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly sold as Bactrim or Septra. Most healthy individuals recover from cyclosporiasis within days or weeks, but those with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients or organ transplant recipients, may experience more severe effects.
To prevent infection, health officials recommend thoroughly washing all fresh produce before consumption, especially fragile items like raspberries, cilantro, and basil, which have been linked to past outbreaks. According to the CDC, it is also important to wash hands and kitchen surfaces thoroughly. Dr. David Freeman, a professor emeritus of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, noted that cooking can kill the parasite, but washing with plain water is the best method to remove it from produce.
"Just the act of washing it with a lot of water is certainly going to get the organisms off of there," Freeman advised. He cautioned that bleach does not kill the parasite, so using Clorox wipes will not be effective. Instead, thorough handwashing with soap and water, followed by an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, is recommended.
The CDC, in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local health departments, is actively investigating these clusters of cyclosporiasis cases. As of now, health officials have found no evidence linking all cases to a single source, and many affected individuals did not report any recent international travel before falling ill. This suggests that the outbreaks may be due to domestic sources of contamination.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for Michigan Health and Human Services, stated, "Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan. Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported."
If you experience sudden, severe diarrhea, particularly if it is watery or explosive, it is advised to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Staying hydrated is also key; health officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or electrolyte solutions, to avoid dehydration. If you test positive for cyclosporiasis, it is important to report your case to your local health department.
Health officials continue to stress the importance of food safety practices, especially during the summer months when fresh produce consumption increases. Cyclosporiasis is seasonal, typically peaking between May and August, and the current outbreak has raised concerns due to the unusually high number of cases reported.
As the investigation continues, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant about food safety and hygiene practices. The CDC has emphasized that the true number of infections is likely higher than reported, as many individuals may recover without seeking medical care. The current outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and hygiene to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As of now, health officials are working to identify the sources of infection and mitigate the spread of cyclosporiasis. With the summer season in full swing and many families enjoying fresh produce, it is more important than ever to prioritize food safety. If you suspect you have been infected, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.