(Aug. 7, 2026) – Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Infection occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Because oocysts require days to weeks in the environment to become infectious, direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely. Symptoms typically begin one week after exposure but can occur as early as two days or as late as two weeks after infection. Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, and cases are also more common among persons who traveled internationally before illness onset.
From May 1 to July 27, 2026, 6,707 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across 45 states, with an additional 11,500 cases still under investigation. A subset of these cases is part of a multistate outbreak affecting nine states and linked to iceberg lettuce. This product has been recalled, but other products may be contributing to the broader national increase in cases.
In Kansas, an average of 44 cases is reported each year, but in 2025 only 31 cases were reported. So far this year, 461 cases have been reported in Kansas.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include prolonged watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramping, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and occasionally a low-grade fever. If untreated, illness can be prolonged or relapsing, sometimes persisting for weeks to months. Severe disease is uncommon, but dehydration can occur, particularly among young children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals.
To find out more about the outbreak in Kansas and the recommendations of KDHE and the CDC, please visit Laboratory Testing for Cyclosporiasis • KDHE, KS.
--Terry Siek