Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Surpasses 2,800 Cases Across 31 States as Source Remains Unknown

A cyclosporiasis outbreak causing diarrhea and nausea has reached 31 U.S. states, but federal authorities have not yet identified the source.

An intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite has now surpassed 2,800 confirmed cases across 31 U.S. states, including New Hampshire (which has confirmed two cases) and Georgia, in a rapidly expanding outbreak under federal investigation. The illness, cyclosporiasis, typically causes watery or 'explosive' diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and stomach cramping, and is usually contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite, including unwashed produce. Federal health authorities have confirmed the outbreak's geographic spread but have not yet identified a common food or water source responsible for the cases. While cyclosporiasis is rarely life-threatening according to the CDC, it can have severe effects on those infected. The outbreak is drawing scrutiny in part because it comes roughly a year after Trump administration officials cut funding for state and local health departments, raising concerns about public health response capacity. Past U.S. outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce such as herbs, bagged salads, and raspberries imported from regions where the parasite is more common.

Why it matters

With cases confirmed in more than half of U.S. states, the outbreak is geographically broad, raising concern about a potentially widespread contaminated food source affecting consumers nationally. Without an identified source, authorities and the public cannot yet take targeted steps to halt exposure.

What's next

Federal health authorities are continuing their investigation to identify the contaminated food or water source behind the outbreak.

Key facts

• The outbreak has been detected in 31 U.S. states — more than half the country
• The illness involved is cyclosporiasis, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite
• Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and stomach cramping
• The source of the outbreak has not yet been identified as of the time of reporting
• Federal health authorities are leading the investigation
• Past U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fresh produce such as herbs, salads, and raspberries

Bias & framing notes

Both sources appear to use near-identical language and framing, suggesting they may draw from the same wire report or federal health authority statement. Neither source provided case counts, specific agency names, or additional distinguishing detail, limiting independent corroboration despite appearing as two separate outlets.

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