US Cyclospora outbreak exceeds 15,000 confirmed cases

The United States is experiencing a significant cyclosporiasis outbreak, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 15,716 laboratory-confirmed cases since May 1, 2026. The infections span 47 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. To date, 828 people have been hospitalized and two deaths have been reported.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the largest portion of the outbreak to recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico. In Louisiana, the surge is among the highest on record, with 100 confirmed cases and six hospitalizations reported as of late July.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include nausea, weight loss, and watery diarrhea. Experts note that tracking the outbreak is complicated by the parasite's long incubation period and recent changes to reporting requirements, which have made certain pathogen reporting optional, potentially reducing the effectiveness of early warning systems.