Cyclospora Surge Infects Hundreds Across US as Investigators Search Produce Supply Chains

Health officials are investigating a large, multi-state surge of cyclosporiasis after Michigan reports over 700 cases and New York City reports 273 confirmed infections.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are coordinating with state health departments and clinical laboratories to trace exposures, but investigators have not identified a single supplier or farm.Cyclospora cayetanensis causes prolonged watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and fatigue and requires specific Cyclospora testing because routine stool tests often miss the parasite; at least 20 people are hospitalized and no deaths are reported.Officials are urging thorough washing or cooking of produce such as basil, cilantro, leafy salad greens and raspberries and say warm, damp growing conditions and sanitation lapses increase infection risk.