NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJuly 1, 2026United States
Outbreak of Cyclospora Parasitic Infection Spreading Across U.S.
Health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite found in contaminated food or water. Hundreds of cases have been confirmed across the U.S., with a significant recent spike reported in Michigan.
Read the full story at NBC Chicago – LocalWhy It Matters
Residents in affected states face potential exposure to a parasite that causes prolonged gastrointestinal illness, requiring medical attention for symptoms like watery diarrhea and cramping.
Key Facts
- 145 cases of cyclosporiasis were confirmed in the U.S. as of June 16, with an additional 45 cases linked to international travel.
- Michigan reported over 170 cases across seven counties within a nine-day period ending in early July.
- The infection is caused by cyclospora, a one-celled parasite transmitted through contaminated food or water, not person-to-person.
- Commonly implicated foods include fresh produce like raspberries, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, basil, and cilantro.
- Symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, and fatigue, lasting from a few days to a month or longer without treatment.
- Patients in the U.S. cases ranged in age from 5 to 86 years old, with 61% being female.
- At least 20 people have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported.
- Michigan county case counts: Monroe (70), Lenawee (33), Washtenaw (21), Wayne (12), Jackson (7), Shiawassee (7), and 24 cases across 11 other counties/Detroit.
- Health officials recommend washing hands and produce thoroughly to reduce risk.
Who's Mentioned
personDr. Sharon Welbel“Chair of infectious diseases for Cook County Health.”personJennifer Bonsky“Director of the human food division at MDARD.”organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal agency tracking and investigating the outbreak.”organizationIllinois Department of Public Health“State agency providing information on the parasite.”organizationMichigan Department of Health and Human Services“State agency managing the Michigan-specific outbreak investigation.”personDr. Irfan Hafiz“Infectious disease physician at Northwestern Medicine.”personDr. Natasha Bagdasarian“Chief medical executive in Michigan.”