The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with state and federal health agencies to investigate several outbreaks of cysticercosis. Efforts to identify and confirm these sources are still ongoing.
At least four states in the Midwest have reported large outbreaks of cyclosporosis. Public health officials are interviewing people who have become ill to find out what foods they were eating before symptoms appeared.
So far, investigators have not confirmed that a specific food product is the source of the outbreak. Health authorities are continuing to gather information to determine the cause of the spread.
The number of infected people has increased since May.
The CDC said it is concerned about the increase in cyclosporiasis cases since early May. In addition to the large-scale outbreak in multiple states, federal and state authorities are also investigating several other outbreaks across the country.
Cyclosporiasis is usually not life-threatening, but in some people it can become serious and require hospitalization. If you have possible symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.
CDC and FDA collect outbreak data
The CDC, public health and regulatory agencies in multiple states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are considering multiple types of information as part of their investigations.
As of July 13, more than 400 Cyclospora cases have been reported to the CDC in connection with this outbreak. Cases have been confirmed in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.
The CDC is aware of other illnesses that are still under investigation. People associated with the outbreak reported becoming ill after June 22, 2026.
The actual number of cases may be even higher.
Health officials believe the actual number of illnesses is probably higher than the total number confirmed. There is also the possibility that the infection could spread beyond the four states where cases have already been confirmed.
Some infected people recover without seeking medical attention and do not undergo Cyclospora testing. Recent illnesses may also be missing from official counts, as it can take weeks to determine whether a case is linked to an outbreak.
To determine the source of infection, public health officials collect information from patients, including age, race, ethnicity, other demographic details, and foods eaten before becoming ill. These reactions can reveal patterns that can help investigators track down contaminated food.
What to do if you have symptoms
Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis.
Symptoms vary but usually appear about a week (from 2 days to more than 2 weeks) after infection.
Without treatment, symptoms may last several days, a month, or longer.
Help investigators find contaminated food
People who have been diagnosed with cysticercosis may be contacted by local or state health officials. Investigators may ask you what you ate in the two weeks before becoming ill.
Providing detailed information can help health authorities identify foods that are causing outbreaks.
How to reduce risk
Learn which foods are likely to be associated with cyclosporiasis and what steps you can take to prevent infection.
Consumers also need to stay informed about food recalls and outbreaks.
Guidance for healthcare providers
Healthcare providers should report cases of cyclosporiasis to their local health department.
Additional information about symptoms, treatment, and patient management is available from Clinical Care of Cyclosporiasis.
