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Cyclospora Cayetanensis

All articles tagged with #cyclospora cayetanensis

Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce expands across states, CDC maps spread
health10 days ago

Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce expands across states, CDC maps spread

An ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico has grown, with the CDC reporting 13,895 lab-confirmed cases across 47 states (May 1–Aug 10) and at least 10,455 additional probable cases; Michigan and Ohio lead in reported illnesses, and Michigan notes the first two deaths in the nationwide outbreak. The FDA links the largest outbreak to Taylor Farms lettuce and Walmart’s Marketside brand (the biggest distribution, about 46%), with other major recipients including Taylor Farms itself, Subway, Jack in the Box, and several distributors. While the lettuce-related outbreak spans Maine and Massachusetts as of updates, officials say multiple clusters exist and tracing is difficult due to long incubation and sampling challenges; other non-lettuce outbreaks are under investigation and not yet linked to the same source.

Sulfa Labels Hamper Cyclospora Treatment in Outbreak
health13 days ago

Sulfa Labels Hamper Cyclospora Treatment in Outbreak

During a large Cyclospora outbreak, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the preferred treatment, but a sulfa allergy label pushes clinicians to use less effective and more costly alternatives like nitazoxanide or ciprofloxacin. The article emphasizes careful allergy evaluation and delabeling—often possible—since many sulfa labels are inaccurate, enabling the use of first-line therapy when appropriate.

North Carolina reports 906 cyclosporiasis cases as Wake County leads
local13 days ago

North Carolina reports 906 cyclosporiasis cases as Wake County leads

North Carolina health officials report 906 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases statewide as of Aug. 11, with Wake County accounting for 508 cases and Henderson County in the western region reporting 43; 31 people have been hospitalized since May. Cyclosporiasis, caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, is typically linked to contaminated produce or water, and officials say case monitoring and food-safety vigilance continue as the outbreak persists.

Why cyclosporiasis diarrhea can be explosive—and how your immune system decides its severity
health26 days ago

Why cyclosporiasis diarrhea can be explosive—and how your immune system decides its severity

A 2026 outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. has sickened more than 4,100 people, linked to contaminated produce from Mexico. The illness stems from Cyclospora cayetanensis infecting intestinal cells, but the severe, sometimes explosive diarrhea is largely driven by the body’s immune response—especially helper T cells and the interferon-gamma pathway. Severity and duration depend on immune strength: young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for prolonged illness and dehydration, while repeated exposure can lessen disease severity. Diagnosis is through stool tests and treatment typically requires a 7–10 day course of antibiotics; there is no vaccine yet to prevent cyclosporiasis.

Contested Cyclospora Outbreak: FDA Reversals, Taylor Farms, and Political Scrutiny
health1 month ago

Contested Cyclospora Outbreak: FDA Reversals, Taylor Farms, and Political Scrutiny

The piece alleges a Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak linked to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms, with the FDA initially testing positive then reversing to say the results were a false positive, followed by a continuing recall and questions about the outbreak’s scale and tracing. It also points to alleged political influence and donations tied to Taylor Farms, scrutiny of FDA messaging, and Michigan reporting thousands of cases, highlighting tensions between public health response, industry interests, and politics.

Cyclosporiasis outbreaks widen as sources beyond lettuce are suspected
health1 month ago

Cyclosporiasis outbreaks widen as sources beyond lettuce are suspected

Cyclosporiasis outbreaks are expanding in the U.S., with the FDA investigating at least five clusters, including a 72-case outbreak reported on Wednesday. While shredded iceberg lettuce has been implicated, former FDA officials warn it may not be the sole source and that pinpointing every contaminated food could be impossible as summer cases continue to rise.

Four cyclosporiasis cases confirmed in Buncombe, seven in Henderson counties
local1 month ago

Four cyclosporiasis cases confirmed in Buncombe, seven in Henderson counties

North Carolina health officials report four cyclosporiasis cases in Buncombe County and seven in Henderson County, part of a statewide rise to 307 cases from May 1 to July 14. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and is often linked to contaminated fresh produce such as cilantro and parsley. Symptoms include watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea; while not usually life-threatening, the illness can require hospitalization for vulnerable groups. No single source has been identified yet, and officials reiterate standard food-safety practices like thorough handwashing and washing/cooking produce, plus refrigerating leftovers promptly.

US Records Largest Cyclospora Outbreak as Investigators Hunt the Source
health1 month ago

US Records Largest Cyclospora Outbreak as Investigators Hunt the Source

A record-breaking US outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis has infected 1,645 people since May, with over 5,100 more cases under investigation and more than 100 hospitalizations; Michigan reports the highest case count and suspects lettuce or salad greens. Health officials are coordinating state and federal labs to trace exposures and likely contaminated produce, while noting that oocysts shed in human feces require warm conditions to mature, which helps explain summer spikes. There is no vaccine; treatment is typically with trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Investigations face challenges such as staffing shortages and the need to study sanitation practices on farms and potential asymptomatic carriers, as researchers try to pinpoint where the parasite entered the food supply.

Cyclospora Outbreaks Prompt Fresh Produce Safety Reminders
health1 month ago

Cyclospora Outbreaks Prompt Fresh Produce Safety Reminders

Rising cyclosporiasis cases have reached about 5,000 in 30+ states this season, with Michigan reporting the majority (3,309 cases and 44 hospitalizations). No single source has been identified; lettuce or salad greens are a potential factor in Michigan, but other foods or water could also be involved. There is no need to abandon raw produce, but take safety steps: wash hands and produce thoroughly, remove outer leaves, and cook greens to at least 158°F (freezing can help but isn’t guaranteed). If symptoms occur, see a doctor for treatment, which is typically effective with antibiotics; public health authorities continue investigating with the CDC and FDA.

Cyclospora cases surge in PA and NJ, prompting health guidance
health1 month ago

Cyclospora cases surge in PA and NJ, prompting health guidance

Public health officials warn about cyclosporiasis caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, with 145 CDC-reported cases from May 1–June 16 including a Pennsylvania–New Jersey cluster. In Pennsylvania, 28 cases have been recorded in 2026 (14 in Southeastern PA). Symptoms typically include watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea, plus cramps, bloating and fatigue; illness can last days to months if untreated, though many healthy individuals recover without antibiotics. Diagnosis usually requires multiple stool tests, and immunocompromised people face more severe risk. Prevention centers on handwashing and thoroughly washing produce, though disinfection may not fully eliminate the parasite. There is no confirmed single multistate outbreak yet.

Cyclospora outbreak prompts nationwide warnings, Texas included
health1 month ago

Cyclospora outbreak prompts nationwide warnings, Texas included

The CDC says Cyclospora cayetanensis is causing a stomach illness across 17 states, including Texas, with at least 145 cases and 20 hospitalizations (no deaths reported). Infections stem from contaminated produce or water, and many cases are linked to produce; symptoms commonly include severe diarrhea. Prevention tips include washing produce and hands with soap and water, avoiding swallowing water during recreation (alcohol-based sanitizers don’t work), and avoiding public pools if you have diarrhea; consult a doctor for possible treatment options.

Surge in cyclosporiasis linked to raw produce hits several states
health1 month ago

Surge in cyclosporiasis linked to raw produce hits several states

CDC reports about 145 cases of cyclosporiasis caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite across 17 states between May 1 and June 16, with Michigan and New York seeing notable increases. While no single multistate outbreak has been confirmed, investigations are ongoing. The parasite contaminates fresh produce (often herbs like cilantro/basil and berries) via water contaminated with feces; heating kills it, but cooking isn’t always practical. Thorough washing of produce, hands, and surfaces is advised (bleach won’t kill it). Symptoms include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever 2–14 days after ingestion; staying hydrated is important and seek medical care for severe diarrhea or fever.

Wayne County tracks 27 suspected cyclosporiasis cases as Michigan outbreak expands
health1 month ago

Wayne County tracks 27 suspected cyclosporiasis cases as Michigan outbreak expands

Wayne County public health officials are monitoring 27 potential cyclosporiasis cases as Southeast Michigan’s outbreak grows to more than 300 sick statewide. Investigators, in collaboration with state and local agencies, are trying to identify the outbreak’s source. Cyclosporiasis is a food- or waterborne intestinal illness linked to contaminated produce; symptoms typically appear 1–2 weeks after exposure and most infections can be treated with antibiotics. Officials advise thorough handwashing, washing and scrubbing produce, refrigerating cut produce, and seeking medical care for persistent diarrhea.

Michigan Scrambles to Contain Sudden Cyclosporiasis Surge Across 21 Counties
health1 month ago

Michigan Scrambles to Contain Sudden Cyclosporiasis Surge Across 21 Counties

Michigan health officials report a rapid, unexplained rise in cyclosporiasis, with 228 cases across 21 counties since June 22—far exceeding the usual annual total. Monroe County has 92 cases; other hotspots include Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, and Jackson. The outbreak's source is not yet known, and it may involve contaminated produce or water. MDHHS and MDARD are investigating; symptoms include watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps, and treatment is with antibiotics and hydration. The CDC notes onset 2 days to 2 weeks after exposure, and person-to-person transmission is unlikely; more cases are expected as investigations continue.

Monroe County probes cyclosporiasis cluster; what residents should know
health1 month ago

Monroe County probes cyclosporiasis cluster; what residents should know

Monroe County health officials are investigating a small cluster of cyclosporiasis cases with illness onsets in the past week. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is usually spread through contaminated food or water, not person-to-person. Symptoms show up 2–14 days after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, nausea, and low fever; symptoms may last days to over a month. If symptomatic, seek care for stool testing and treatment. Preventive steps include washing produce under running water, scrubbing firm fruits/vegetables, cutting away damaged areas, and refrigerating cut or cooked produce promptly.