The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with state and federal health groups to study several cyclosporiasis outbreaks. They are still looking for the exact cause.
Big Outbreak in the Midwest
People in at least four Midwestern states have become sick with cyclosporiasis. Health workers are asking those who got sick what they ate before they felt ill.
So far, no single food has been proven to be the source. Officials keep collecting clues to find the cause.
Cases Are Rising Since May
The CDC says the number of cases has gone up since early May. In addition to the large multi‑state outbreak, smaller groups of sick people are being examined across the country.
Cyclosporiasis usually isn’t deadly, but it can make some people very sick and may need a hospital stay. If you think you have symptoms, call a doctor right away.
Data Being Collected by CDC and FDA
The CDC, state health departments, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are looking at many types of information to understand the outbreak.
By July 13, more than 400 cases were reported to the CDC. The states with confirmed cases include Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Officials also know of other illnesses that are still being studied. Most people who were linked to the outbreak got sick on or after June 22, 2026.
The Real Number May Be Higher
Health workers think the true number of sick people is probably larger than the official count. Some people recover without seeing a doctor, and their cases are never recorded.
It can also take weeks to decide if a case belongs to the outbreak, so recent illnesses might not be in the numbers yet.
To help find the source, investigators ask patients about age, race, ethnicity, and especially the foods they ate before getting sick. Patterns in these answers can point to the contaminated food.
What to Do If You Have Symptoms
Call your health‑care provider if you notice signs of cyclosporiasis.
Symptoms usually appear about a week after infection, but they can show up anywhere from two days to two weeks later. Without treatment, the illness can last for many days, weeks, or even longer.
Help Find the Contaminated Food
People diagnosed with cyclosporiasis may be contacted by local or state health officials. They may ask what you ate in the two weeks before you fell ill.
Giving detailed answers helps investigators locate the food that caused the outbreak.
How to Lower Your Risk
Learn which foods are most often linked to cyclosporiasis and follow steps that can prevent infection.
Stay informed about food recalls and new outbreak alerts.
Guidance for Health‑Care Providers
Doctors should report cyclosporiasis cases to their local health department.
More details on symptoms, treatment, and patient care are available from the CDC.