What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. When people ingest food or water contaminated with the parasite, it infects the small intestine, leading to digestive symptoms like watery diarrhea.
Data
Detailed information about the state and federal datasets related to cyclosporiasis and the 2026 national outbreak are below.
Illustration of Cyclospora
Key Details About the Illness
- Incubation Period: Symptoms usually start about 1 week after consuming contaminated food or water, though the incubation window can range from 2 to 14 days. It is common for cyclosporiasis cases to be reported during the hot summer months.
- How It Spreads: The parasite is spread through the fecal-oral route — typically when people eat fresh produce (such as lettuce, fresh herbs, or berries) or drink water that has come into contact with infected feces.
- Person-to-Person Transmission: It is unlikely to spread directly from person to person. After the parasite is passed in stool, it requires 1 to 2 weeks in the environment to mature and become infectious to another person.
- Common Symptoms:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach cramps, pain, bloating and increased gas
- Nausea and extreme fatigue
- Muscle aches, low-grade fever
- Vomiting
Without treatment, symptoms can last from several days to a month or longer and may seem to clear up only to return again.
2026 National Outbreak
Understanding outbreak reports can be confusing because local, state and federal agencies publish data based on different criteria.
State Level Data
What it shows: All laboratory-confirmed Cyclosporiasis cases in Missouri, including individuals who contracted the parasite while traveling abroad as well as those who acquired it within the United States.
CDC National Surveillance Data
What it shows: All states reporting laboratory-confirmed cases that were acquired in the United States (excluding international travel cases). Not every case on this page can be tied to the main national outbreak.
CDC National Outbreak-Specific Data
What it shows: Cases acquired in the U.S. that have been tied to the specific national outbreak through patient interviews and disease investigations.
Specific details on the multi-state food investigation, implicated sources (such as iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms), recall status and supply-chain traceback efforts.