Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: 400 Cases and Counting

[UPDATE 8/2/13: As of August 1, 2013, the CDC has been notified of a total of 400 cases of Cyclospora infection. Of these cases, 22 people have been hospitalized. Nebraska and Iowa have reported that based on their analysis, infections in their states are linked to a prepackaged salad mix.]

The CDC and FDA have been collaborating with public health officials in multiple states to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis.  

As of July 26, 2013, the CDC has been notified of 353 cases of Cyclospora infection from the following health departments: Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Wisconsin, Illinois, New York City, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Ohio.

RELATED: Infectious Diseases Resource Center

Of these 353 cases, at least 21 people reportedly have been hospitalized.

Cyclospora is a parasite that is spread by people ingesting something that was contaminated with feces. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include: watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.

Previous outbreak investigations have implicated various types of fresh produce, but no food items have been implicated to date. Cases in this outbreak are defined as laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infection in a person who became ill in June or July 2013, and had no history of travel outside of the United States or Canada during the 2 weeks prior to illness.

More cases are currently being investigated and the CDC will continue to update the public as states confirm them.

For more information call (800) 232-4636 or visit CDC.gov.