Cyclosporiasis Outbreak – July 2026

Updated: July 16, 2026

Current Situation

CDC and FDA are currently investigating multiple outbreaks of cyclosporiasis across the United States. FDA is currently investigating five cyclosporiasis outbreaks and public health experts believe several ongoing outbreaks may be contributing to the recent increase in reported cases.

Has a source been identified for the cyclosporiasis outbreak?

Investigations are ongoing and no single food source has been confirmed nationally at this time.

Why are case counts different between CDC, states and media reports?

CDC has noted that state-reported case counts may be higher than CDC’s national surveillance data because state data may include probable and confirmed cases, while CDC’s surveillance updates reflect laboratory-confirmed cases received from states. CDC is working with states to update national numbers as additional cases are confirmed. CDC also notes that the true number of illnesses is likely higher than reported because some people recover without medical care, are not tested for Cyclospora or have illnesses that have not yet been linked to the outbreak due to reporting delays.

What is Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects humans and causes an illness known as cyclosporiasis. Cyclospora cayetanensis originates from the feces of infected people and is transmitted when feces of infected people contaminate food or water.

How does Cyclospora cayetanensis spread?

People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis.

How does food and water become contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Contamination generally occurs when food or water comes into contact with human fecal material containing the parasite. Fresh produce is frequently implicated because it is often consumed raw and may be exposed to contaminated irrigation water, wash water or environmental sources during production.

Does cyclosporiasis spread from person-to-person?

Cyclosporiasis is not transmitted through direct person-to-person contact. Infected individuals shed oocysts (parasite eggs) in their feces; however, these oocysts must mature in the environment for approximately 1–2 weeks before they become infectious. Infection occurs through the consumption of food or water contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis.

What is the incubation time for Cyclosporiasis?

The incubation period averages one week (ranging as soon as 2 days – 2 weeks or more).

Why does Cyclospora appear at certain times of year?

Cyclosporiasis exhibits a strong seasonal pattern in the United States. CDC considers the primary Cyclospora season to run from May 1 through August 31, with cases typically peaking during the spring and summer months. While the exact reason for seasonality is not fully understood, environmental conditions that favor parasite survival, the seasonal availability of fresh produce, and agricultural practices are believed to play contributing roles.

Source: GenomicEpi.com, Cyclosporiasis Cases and Outbreaks

What products have been linked to Cyclosporiasis in the past?

FDA notes that previous outbreaks have been associated with certain fresh fruits and vegetables such as raspberries, cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas and leafy greens.

What do retailers need to do?

Cyclospora may be resistant to routine chemical disinfection methods such as those using chlorine. Retailers should continue practicing basic food safety practices, including good personal hygiene and frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils.

Employee Health
Although person-to-person transmission is unlikely, employees experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should be managed according to the FDA Food Code and employee health policy. Food employees who are symptomatic with vomiting or diarrhea should be excluded from working in food establishments.

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events Food establishments should follow established procedures when responding to vomiting and diarrheal events to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of employees, consumers, food, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter.

What can consumers do?

Produce is an important part of a healthy diet and consumers should follow safe handling practices when enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables at home.

Additional information and resources for consumers can be found on the Partnership for Food Safety Education’s website.

Media Requests

For media requests, consider referring to your state health department and your state land grant university.

FMI Member Support

FMI's food and product safety team is actively monitoring federal and state developments and will continue sharing relevant updates with members as investigations evolve.