Cyclosporiasis Cases Reach Nearly 3,000 Nationally

Why it matters locally: Texas, like other states, may see increased surveillance and public health efforts from local and state health departments in response to the national rise in cyclosporiasis cases, especially given the state's large population and agricultural industries.

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.