#USA, #Hawaii: Dept. of Health Confirms Fourth Case Of #Cyclosporiasis (DOH, August 1 '26)

 

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a case of cyclosporiasis in a member of the military based in Hawaiʻi.

    The individual traveled internationally before returning to Hawaiʻi prior to getting sick. 

    Based on their travel history, symptom onset and the known incubation period it is not known at this time if the infection was acquired in Hawaiʻi or while traveling. 

    However, at this point in the DOH investigation, there is no evidence that this case changes the risk of cyclosporiasis in Hawaiʻi. 

    The assessment of risk of cyclosporiasis to the public in Hawaiʻi remains low.

    This case brings the total number of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases reported in Hawaiʻi in 2026 to four. 

    The first case involved a non-resident visitor whose infection also was acquired outside of Hawaiʻi. The next two cases involved two Hawaiʻi residents who traveled internationally.

    Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Eggs of the parasite shed in the feces of infected persons must mature outside the host, in the environment, before they become infectious to another person. 

    People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, outbreaks have most often been linked to certain fresh produce items. The illness is not typically spread directly from person to person.

    Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later. 

    The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or bloating, nausea, increased gas, fatigue and, less commonly, vomiting or low-grade fever. Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks or longer and can come and go.

    The DOH routinely investigates reportable diseases to identify potential sources of infection and monitors for any signs of local transmission.

    People can help reduce their risk of cyclosporiasis by:

        ° Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the restroom.

        ° Washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.

        ° Following safe food handling practices when preparing meals.

        ° Seeking medical care if they experience prolonged or severe diarrhea, particularly after recent travel or eating fresh produce from an area associated with an outbreak.

    Cyclosporiasis is treatable with prescription antibiotics. Individuals experiencing persistent diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who suspect cyclosporiasis are encouraged to report cases to the DOH and submit appropriate specimens to commercial laboratories for testing.

    The DOH will continue to monitor for additional cases and work closely with healthcare providers and public health partners to protect the health of Hawaiʻi residents and visitors.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-confirms-fourth-case-of-cyclosporiasis/

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#UK, Sharp rise in #cyclospora #infections linked to #Mexico #travel (UKHSA, July 31 '26)

 

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published new data showing a sharp rise in cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico.

    UKHSA is advising all travellers to take precautions when travelling abroad including maintaining good food and water hygiene to reduce their risk of infection.

    Cyclospora is a parasite that causes explosive diarrhoea. Contaminated food specifically herbs, salad and soft fruit are common sources of outbreaks and infections. Infection is acquired via consumption of contaminated food. Cyclospora doesn’t naturally occur in the UK and there is no risk of spread from person to person.

    Symptoms of infection can include frequent watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, flatulence, low-grade fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. While cyclosporiasis is usually mild and most people improve typically in a few days without any treatment, infections can be more serious or prolonged in people who are immunocompromised and antibiotics may be prescribed.

    The latest data, published today, shows that 67 cases have been reported in returning travellers in England (30 cases) Wales and (10 cases) Scotland (27 cases) between 30 April and 15 July 2026; a sharp rise this year when compared to the annual average of 93 cases recorded between 2022 and 2025.

    Travel information is available for 52 out of the 67 cases; of these, 48 reported travel to Mexico, with one also reporting travel to the USA. One further case reported travel to the USA only, and one to Kenya.

    Among those who travelled to Mexico, cases reported staying at a range of different hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions and consuming a variety of food and drink as part of all-inclusive holiday packages. Further investigations around the cases are ongoing.

    UKHSA anticipates a continued rise in travel-associated cases linked to increased summer travel to Mexico and a potential increase in cases linked to travel to the USA, where a widespread outbreak has been reported.

    Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Travel Health at UKHSA, said:

        ''We have recently detected a rise in Cyclospora infections among travellers returning from Mexico. These infections are caused by a parasite and can affect the stomach and intestines.

        ''Travellers to Mexico and other areas where the infection is more common can reduce their risk by following good food and water hygiene measures, including drinking bottled water and eating thoroughly cooked food, even when staying in high-end all-inclusive resorts. We also advise avoiding certain foods such as fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items.

        ''If you develop symptoms after returning from travel, such as watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased wind, nausea, fatigue or other flu-like symptoms, please seek medical attention and inform your healthcare professional of your travel history.

        ''The TravelHealthPro website has more information on the steps you can take to keep yourself and your family well.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sharp-rise-in-cyclospora-infections-linked-to-mexico-travel

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#USA, #Cyclospora #outbreak linked to iceberg #lettuce expanded to four new states (CDC, July 25 '26)

 

A CDC food safety alert regarding a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections has been updated at https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html.

Key Points:

    ° Since the last update on July 18, 2026, 4 states have been added to the multistate outbreak, and the total case count is now 1,947. The 4 additional states are Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

    ° Illnesses have now been reported from: 

        § Illinois, 

        § Indiana, 

        § Kansas, 

        § Kentucky, 

        § Michigan, 

        § Ohio, 

        § Pennsylvania, 

        § Oklahoma, and 

        § West Virginia.

    ° At least 98 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

    ° Epidemiologic and traceback data continue to show that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was contaminated with Cyclospora and has made people sick.

    ° This alert only includes illnesses that are lab confirmed and have been linked to this product, not all cyclosporiasis illnesses being reported to and by CDC.

    ° CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak.

What You Should Do:

    ° Do not eat any recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce. Throw it away or return it.

    ° If you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, contact your healthcare provider to receive care and report symptoms.

    ° You may need to request that your healthcare provider tests you for Cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis Symptoms:

    ° Some people may not experience symptoms.

    ° Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

    ° Symptoms usually begin about one week after becoming infected.

    ° Without treatment, symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer.

    ° If you have symptoms, stay well hydrated.

    ° If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state's health department.

    ° If you are a member of the media, please fill out this Request for Comment form to submit your media inquiry to CDC.

Thank you, CDC News Media Branch

Source: 

Link: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/cyclospora-outbreak-linked-to-iceberg-lettuce-expanded-to-four-new-states.html

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#USA, #Michigan DHHS updates #recommendations for #cyclosporiasis prevention (July 14 '26)

 

    LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) continues to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis with 2,640 cases reported as of Monday, July 13. 

    While the investigation is ongoing, current results point to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source for this outbreak, although other food items cannot be completely ruled out. 

    No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source. 

    “Although we do not have a definite product identified as the source of the outbreak, we want to let Michiganders know what we have learned so far so they can take steps to protect their families,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. 

    “Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.” 

    Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. It is often contracted by eating or drinking something contaminated with the parasite. Typically, Michigan only records 40 to 50 cases of cyclosporiasis annually.  

    MDHHS continues to work closely with local health departments to conduct in-depth interviews of individuals testing positive for cyclosporiasis, as well as with other state and federal partners to conduct traceback investigations. More than 1,000 interviews have than have been completed to date. 

    Given the extent of the outbreak, the incubation period of up to two weeks for symptoms to develop after exposure and complex food distribution networks across the state and country, it will take some time for agencies to complete their investigation.   

    Recreational water exposure, such as swimming in lakes, is not a recognized risk factor for cyclosporiasis and there is currently no evidence linking recreational water activities to this outbreak. While people should always avoid swallowing recreational water, foodborne exposure – particularly exposure to contaminated produce – remains the primary focus of this outbreak investigation. 

    MDHHS recommends the following safe practices for all individuals serving, preparing, or consuming lettuce and salad greens in impacted counties, this includes restaurants and commercial kitchens. Because this is an active and evolving situation, these recommendations may change as more information becomes available. 

Focus on lettuce and salad greens 

    Given early information and the historical link between cyclospora and pre-packaged salad greens, MDHHS recommends adopting the following lettuce-specific safety measures: 

    ° Purchase whole heads: 

        - Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits. 

    ° Discard outer layers: 

        - Before preparation, throw away the outer two to three layers of leaves. 

    ° Wash inner leaves: 

        - Thoroughly wash the remaining inner leaves under clean running water. 

    ° Prioritize cooking: 

        - For any greens that can be cooked, cooking to a temperature of at least 158 F (70 C) is the safest option, as the parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection and washing alone cannot guarantee its removal. 

Previous outbreaks 

    The following foods have been specifically linked to previous cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada: 

    ° Bagged salad mixes and kits.  

    ° Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves). 

    ° Fresh basil. 

    ° Raspberries. 

    ° Snow peas. 

    ° Green onions (scallions). 

General rules to reduce risk 

    ° Cook when possible. Heating food to 158 F (70 C) or higher kills cyclospora. 

    ° Peel produce. Peeling is highly effective for food items with removable skin as the parasite sits on the outer surface. 

    ° Wash all fresh produce. Wash under clean running water, even if you plan to peel it. “Pre-washed” does not guarantee safety and rewashing bagged lettuce is unlikely to remove cyclospora. While washing alone may not fully eliminate cyclospora, it enhances protection when combined with cooking or peeling. 

    These recommendations are particularly important for people who have a higher risk of dehydration or weakened immune systems such as patients on chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, infants and young children and elderly people. 

If you do become ill  

    People experiencing frequent, watery diarrhea are encouraged to contact their health care provider and specifically request testing for cyclospora as routine stool tests may miss the parasite. Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration. 

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2026/07/13/cyclo-3

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#USA, #Michigan Dept. of Health makes #recommendations on preventing #foodborne illness amid growing #cyclosporiasis #outbreak (July 6 '26)

 

July 04, 2026

    As cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise, with the largest increase occurring in Southeast Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing additional recommendations to help prevent foodborne illness related to fresh produce.  

    As of July 4, 2026, no specific produce grower/supplier, or specific produce type has been identified as the source of the outbreak.

    In Michigan, the number of reported cases has risen to 572 as of Saturday, July 4, up from 170 on Tuesday, June 30. 

    Cases remain the highest in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland and Livingston counties. 

    MDHHS is working with local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and will update information as it becomes available.

    Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. 

    Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea. 

    The time between being exposed and becoming sick is usually about one week but can range from two days to two weeks or more. 

    Untreated, the illness may last from a few days to more than a month. Symptoms may go away and then return.

    Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, but dehydration from frequent bouts of diarrhea can cause severe illness, particularly among younger or older people and those who have weakened immune systems.

Previous outbreaks

The following foods have been specifically linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:

    ° Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)

    ° Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)

    ° Fresh basil

    ° Raspberries

    ° Snow peas

    ° Green onions (scallions)

    

    Given the large and increasing number of cases in Michigan, MDHHS recommends that entities in Southeast Michigan who are preparing, processing, or serving raw produce, including restaurants and other commercial kitchens, take the following steps to reduce risks of exposure:

        ° Lettuce/leafy greens:  

            - buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.

        ° Cilantro, basil: 

            - Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves.  Safest when cooked.

        ° Green onions: 

            - Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.

        ° Raspberries: 

            - Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices.  Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative (freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite).

        ° Snow peas: 

            - Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.

 

    These recommendations are particularly important for people who have a higher risk of dehydration or weakened immune systems such as patients on chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, infants and young children and elderly people. 

General Rules to Reduce Your Risk

    ° Cook when you can. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.

    ° Wash all fresh produce under clean running water, even if you plan to peel it.

Reminders about routine food safety practices

    ° Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing food.

    ° Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.

    ° Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.

    ° Wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces before and after handling food. Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where fresh produce is stored.

    ° Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces and utensils used to prepare, serve or store fresh produce.

    ° Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible. 

If you do become ill

    ° People experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden and ongoing diarrhea, are encouraged to contact their health care provider and reach out to their local health department. 

    ° Cyclosporiasis is treated with antibiotics along with rest and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration.

Source: 

Link: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2026/07/04/mdhhs-makes-recommendations-on-preventing-foodborne-illness-amid-growing-cyclosporiasis-outbreak

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#USA, #Outbreak of #cyclosporiasis occurring in #Michigan (Dept. of Health, July 1 '26)

 

July 01, 2026

No cause identified for illnesses at this time; state offers prevention tips

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), in partnership with several local health departments, are actively investigating a large and growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness.  

    As of Tuesday, June 30, more than 170 cases have been reported in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Livingston, Shiawassee and Jackson counties in the past nine days. Typically, Michigan only identifies around 50 cyclosporiasis cases per year.  

    “Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. 

    “Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported. We recommend Michiganders contact their health care provider if they experience sudden, ongoing diarrhea and reach out to their local health department if additional members of their family are suffering from the same symptoms.” 

    Cyclosporiasis is caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayatenensis, which is commonly found in developing countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months. Cyclosporiasis is not known to spread from person to person. 

    Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include: 

        ° Frequent watery diarrhea. 

        ° Loss of appetite and weight. 

        ° Abdominal cramps and bloating. 

        ° Nausea (vomiting is less common). 

        ° Low-grade fever. 

    Individuals experiencing sudden gastrointestinal illness are encouraged to be evaluated by a health care provider. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can be significantly improved with antibiotic treatment. If untreated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer. Providers are urged to consider cyclosporiasis among patients presenting with acute gastrointestinal illness in southeast Michigan. 

    “MDARD is committed to ensuring food safety across the state and is working in partnership with local health departments to identify the source of the outbreak and keep consumers safe,” said Jennifer Bonsky, Director of the Human Food Division at MDARD. 

    “In these moments, it becomes even more important to follow all of the essential food preparation guidelines, such as washing your hands before and after preparing food and washing produce before it is consumed.”  

    To help avoid any illness from cyclospora or other harmful bacteria or organisms, MDARD recommends the following: 

        ° Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. 

        ° Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. 

        ° Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating. 

        ° Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible. 

    Not all cases identified in the last nine days may be connected to the outbreak and the public health investigation is ongoing. State and local officials are interviewing cases to try and identify a common exposure and prevent additional illness. Individuals diagnosed with cyclosporiasis are encouraged to talk to health department staff investigating these illnesses to help identify a potential cause. 

    Additional information is available at About Cyclosporiasis | Cyclosporiasis | CDC.

Current case county by county as of Tuesday, June 30: 

    ° Monroe: 70 

    ° Lenawee: 33 

    ° Washtenaw: 21  

    ° Wayne: 12 

    ° Jackson: 7 

    ° Shiawassee: 7 

    ° 24 cases in 11 other counties and the City of Detroit.

Age 

    ° Age range: 8 years to 84 years 

    ° Average age: 44.3 years 

    ° Median age: 41 years 

# # #

Source: 

Link: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2026/07/01/cyclosporiasis

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