CDC Warning, Cyclospora Outbreak

Cyclosporiasis Illnesses in the United States, 2023

CDC, along with state and federal health and regulatory officials, monitor cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States in the spring and summer months to detect outbreaks linked to a common food source. Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis.

Fast Facts Illnesses: 1063 Hospitalizations: 79 Deaths: 0 States reporting cases: 34

Investigation status: Active (first posted on May 25, 2023)

Cyclosporiasis illnesses are reported year-round in the United States. However, during the spring and summer months there is often an increase in cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States. The exact timing and duration of these seasonal increases in cyclosporiasis can vary, but reports tend to increase starting in May. This year, cases were reported starting in April. It is too soon to tell if this timing indicates a change in the seasonality of cyclosporiasis in the United States.

In previous years, the reported number of cases peaked between June and July, although cases can be reported as late as September. The number of infections or hospitalizations and the number of identified outbreaks linked to a common source also vary from season to season.

Multiple outbreaks of cyclosporiasis caused by different foods can be reported during the same year. Previous U.S. outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce, including basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas. However, many cases of cyclosporiasis cannot be directly linked to an outbreak. Officials use questionnaires to interview sick people to determine what they ate in the 14-day period before getting sick. If a common food is found, CDC and partners work quickly to determine if the contaminated food is still available in stores or in peoples' homes and issue advisories.

2023 Outbreaks: CDC, FDA, and state and local partners investigated an outbreak of cyclosporiasis cases in Georgia and Alabama linked to raw broccoli that included 20 illnesses. People reported eating broccoli in the 14 days before they got sick. FDA and state and local partners conducted traceback investigations and determined that the broccoli was imported. However, FDA investigators were unable to confirm the specific type or producer of the imported broccoli as the source of the outbreak. This outbreak appears to be over and there is no indication at this time that broccoli continues to be a source of illness for other cases of cyclosporiasis being reported in the United States.

What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis? - Symptoms usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Cyclospora. - People typically experience watery diarrhea. They may also experience loss of appetite, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.

- Symptoms can persist for several weeks to a month or more. If untreated, symptoms may get better for a while and then return, and this pattern may repeat.

What should I do? - If you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, see your healthcare provider. Your doctor can test you for cyclosporiasis. Treatment is available. If you are sick with Cyclospora, local or state health officials may contact you to find out what you ate in the 2 weeks before you got sick. Please respond to their calls. This information helps us identify the contaminated food that made you sick. They may also ask for copies of receipts, permission to use your shopper card number, or collect leftover food for testing.

CDC UPDATED JULY 27, 2023