US Cyclosporiasis Cases Surge Past 15,700, CDC Reports

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has logged 15,716 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 47 states as of August 17, marking an increase of 1,821 infections from the previous week. The agency also reported 828 hospitalizations and two deaths linked to the parasitic illness.

Federal officials noted that an additional 11,841 suspected cases are under review, requiring further investigation to confirm. The figures include infections tied to an ongoing multistate outbreak traced to recalled iceberg lettuce, though the CDC is also probing several other clusters with no confirmed source yet.

Michigan remains the hardest-hit state, reporting 13,909 cases last week—a roughly 11% jump from the prior week. State health authorities attribute much of the rise to a processing backlog, suggesting the peak of the outbreak may have passed.

Health experts describe this as one of the largest foodborne illness events in recent US history. Cyclospora, the parasite responsible, causes diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal distress. The outbreak has prompted many consumers nationwide to avoid fresh produce and restaurant dining, though officials continue to urge vigilance without advising a blanket ban on produce.