NewsNBC Chicago – LocalJuly 3, 2026United States
Midwest Outbreak of Cyclospora Parasite: What You Need to Know
Health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea, linked to contaminated fresh produce. Over 170 cases have been reported in Michigan alone in just nine days, with federal and state agencies working to identify the specific source.
Read the full story at NBC Chicago – LocalWhy It Matters
Residents in the Midwest face an increased risk of foodborne illness from fresh produce, requiring heightened attention to food preparation and hygiene to avoid infection.
Key Facts
- As of June 16, the CDC reported 190 total cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S., with 145 domestically acquired and 45 linked to travel.
- Michigan reported over 170 cases across seven counties in a nine-day period ending in early July.
- The infection is caused by Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite spread through food or water contaminated with infected stool.
- Commonly implicated produce includes raspberries, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, basil, cilantro, and garlic.
- Symptoms include watery 'explosive' diarrhea, bloating, cramping, loss of appetite, and fatigue, which can last from days to a month or longer without treatment.
- The parasite does not spread from human to human.
- At least 20 people have been hospitalized due to the current outbreak; no deaths have been reported.
- Infected individuals in the U.S. range in age from 5 to 86 years old, with 61% being female.
- Cases have been reported in more than 17 states, with Illinois and Wisconsin among those with high case counts.
- Health officials recommend scrubbing firm produce, washing all produce under running water, and refrigerating cut or peeled items immediately.
Who's Mentioned
personDr. Sharon Welbel“Chair of infectious diseases for Cook County Health.”personJennifer Bonsky“Director of the Human Food Division at the Michigan Department of Agriculture an”organizationIllinois Department of Public Health“State agency monitoring cases in Illinois.”organizationU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal agency tracking the outbreak and investigating sources.”organizationMichigan Department of Health and Human Services“State agency managing the recent surge in Michigan cases.”personDr. Natasha Bagdasarian“Chief medical executive for Michigan Health and Human Services.”