Learn about the Cyclosporiasis outbreak caused by the Cyclospora parasite, its symptoms, and essential prevention tips to protect your health.
The current Cyclosporiasis outbreak is a stomach and intestinal illness caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis.
People usually become infected by eating or drinking something contaminated with microscopic parasite “pods,” often from fresh produce or unsafe water. These pods are too small to see, so contaminated food can look completely normal.
Once swallowed, the parasite travels to the small intestine. Signals inside the gut help release the parasite, which then enters the cells lining the intestine and begins making many copies of itself.
This process damages the intestinal lining and can interfere with normal absorption.
That damage is what leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, and feeling run down. Unlike a typical stomach bug that may pass in a day or two, cyclosporiasis can last for weeks or even months without treatment. It is usually not fatal, but it can be very unpleasant and disruptive.
Image: Almeria, Sonia et al. “Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cyclosporiasis: An Update.” Microorganisms vol. 7,9 317. 4 Sep. 2019, doi:10.3390/microorganisms7090317 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The parasite spreads through human waste that contaminates soil, water, crops, or food-handling surfaces.
However, the parasite is not immediately infectious when it leaves the body; it needs time in the environment to mature. This is one reason outbreaks are often linked to contaminated produce rather than direct person-to-person spread.
To reduce risk, fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs should be washed well before eating. Cooking vegetables can lower risk further when appropriate.
During outbreaks, people should pay attention to recall notices, avoid recalled foods, wash hands and kitchen surfaces, and seek medical care if diarrhea is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by dehydration.
Wash produce carefully: Rinse fruits, vegetables, and herbs under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
Cook when possible: Cooking fresh vegetables can help reduce the risk from contaminated produce.
Watch outbreak updates: Avoid recalled foods and follow public health guidance during active outbreaks.
Practice kitchen hygiene: Wash hands, cutting boards, knives, and counters after handling fresh produce.
Get help for lasting symptoms: Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, returns repeatedly, or causes dehydration should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Resource: What Cyclospora does inside the gut and how it gets there. Pien Huang. NPR. August 2, 2026
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