
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.




