Cyclospora outbreaks with no confirmed sources grow: FDA

Live updates

1. 27d ago

   FDA Reports Growing Cyclospora Outbreaks With No Confirmed Sources

   The CDC reports that cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. have reached 15,716 as parasitic outbreaks spread across multiple states. The FDA indicates that these outbreaks are growing without confirmed sources. Case surges are specifically noted in Missouri, Kansas, New Jersey, and New York. The outbreak has caused a record-setting plunge in lettuce prices as consumers avoid the produce. While the parasite spreads through human waste, officials have not yet identified the specific food contamination path that sickened thousands of people.

   Why it matters

   Cyclospora is a parasite that causes diarrhea and is often linked to fresh produce. The current surge is significant because the parasite has evaded standard U.S. food safety systems. This creates economic instability for growers and health risks for students and families.

   What is confirmed

   • The CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. have climbed to 15,716.
   • The FDA reports that cyclospora outbreaks with no confirmed sources are growing.
   • Case surges have been reported in Missouri, Kansas, New Jersey, and New York.
   • Lettuce prices have seen a record-setting plunge due to consumer fear of cyclospora.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Missouri has seen a rise of nearly 400 cyclosporiasis cases.
   • Up to 200 cyclosporiasis cases were reported in New Jersey.

   What to watch next

   • FDA identification of the specific contaminated produce source
   • CDC updates on the total number of infections
   • Government reports on the efficacy of food safety system interventions
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. CNBC — 'Nobody wants it': Lettuce prices see record-setting plunge as cyclospora spooks consumers
   2. USA Today — Lettuce-linked parasitic outbreak spreads. See map, more updates
   3. The New York Times — Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce and Other Fresh Produce as Cyclospora Outbreak Wanes?
   4. The New York Times — How Cyclospora Evaded the U.S. Food Safety System to Sicken Thousands
   5. pbs.org — Cyclospora spreads through human waste — so how did it get on food?
   6. FOX4KC.com — Missouri sees rise of nearly 400 cyclosporiasis cases
   7. The Baltimore Banner — Maryland’s Summer of Ick: It’s more than parasites
   8. The Hill — Cyclospora outbreaks with no confirmed sources grow: FDA
   9. SILive.com — N.Y. cases of diarrhea parasite continue upward trend
   10. KCTV — Cyclospora parasite cases surge across Missouri and Kansas as students return to class
   11. News12 | New Jersey — Up to 200 cyclosporiasis cases reported in New Jersey
   12. Reuters — Cyclosporiasis cases in US climb to 15,716, CDC says
   confidence 90%