US Health Officials Race to Find Source of Growing Parasite Outbreak

Federal health officials in the United States are working to identify the source of a large outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes watery, explosive diarrhea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of cases is significantly higher than what is typically seen during this time of year. Officials expect the outbreak to continue through the end of August as they search for the specific food item responsible for the spread.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a tiny, single-cell parasite. It is usually spread through food or water that has been contaminated with feces. The infection is most common during the warmer months, from May to August. Symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, and long-lasting diarrhea. Because the parasite has a long incubation period—the time between catching the infection and feeling sick—it can be very difficult for patients to remember exactly what they ate weeks before they became ill.

As of mid-July, the CDC has confirmed 1,645 cases of the parasite across 34 states. However, officials believe the true number of infections is much higher. The agency is currently working through a backlog of 5,100 cases that still require analysis and interviews. In addition to the national data, state-level reports show even higher numbers. For example, officials in Michigan reported over 3,300 cases by July 14, highlighting the challenges of tracking the illness in real-time.

Investigators are currently looking into several clusters of the disease. According to The Guardian, health officials have linked outbreaks in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. While the exact source is still under investigation, the Washington Post reported that officials are looking into whether lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Michigan might be connected to the illnesses. Donald Prater, the FDA’s acting deputy commissioner for food, noted that the agency is aware of a "signal" pointing to lettuce as a possible source, but they are continuing to test multiple food items to be sure.

This year’s spike in cases has drawn attention to how the government tracks foodborne illnesses. MedPage Today reported that last year, the government removed Cyclospora from a list of diseases that states were required to report to a national surveillance program called FoodNet. While states can still choose to share their data, some experts argue that these changes have made it harder to monitor trends. Gwen Biggerstaff, a deputy director at the CDC, acknowledged that states are often under-resourced when it comes to responding to food safety issues, but she maintained that the agency is actively working with them to manage the current situation.

Public health experts have criticized the administration for recent budget cuts to state and local health departments. These cuts have led to concerns about the ability of officials to quickly find and stop outbreaks. Despite these challenges, the CDC and FDA are providing regular updates to the public. The CDC has issued a health advisory, recommending that doctors consider testing for the parasite when patients come in with long-lasting or returning diarrhea.

For the general public, the advice remains consistent: be careful with fresh food. Because the parasite is difficult to kill, federal officials strongly suggest that people thoroughly wash all fresh produce before eating it. If possible, cooking food is the safest way to avoid the parasite. As the investigation continues, officials are urging anyone who feels sick to see a doctor so that their case can be tested and reported. This helps health agencies track the spread and identify the source of the contamination more quickly. With the warm weather expected to last for several more weeks, the risk of infection remains a priority for health authorities across the country.