Cyclosporiasis Cases Reach Nearly 3,000 Nationally

Why it matters locally: While no specific Missouri outbreak has been identified in this national report, the presence of foodborne illnesses nationally highlights the ongoing importance of food safety and public health surveillance across all states, including Missouri. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services would monitor for any local increases.

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State health officials have reported nearly 3,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness, across the United States. Eighty-six individuals sickened by the foodborne parasite have required hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cyclosporiasis causes symptoms including severe, watery diarrhea. Public health agencies are investigating the sources of the infections. The CDC collects data on cyclosporiasis cases from state health departments. This surveillance informs public health responses and efforts to identify contaminated food items.