Cyclospora infections reported in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as cases climb

The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed 28 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state so far this year, with half of them occurring in the southeastern region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 145 cases nationwide between May 1 and June 16, noting clusters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, while Michigan and Ohio have each reported over a thousand cases.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is typically spread through contaminated food or water. Outbreaks in the United States are often linked to imported produce such as basil, cilantro, raspberries and snow peas. The incubation period is about one week, and symptoms include watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, fatigue, increased gas and loss of appetite; less common signs are body aches, low-grade fever and vomiting.

Diagnosis requires stool testing, often with multiple samples because the parasite is difficult to detect. Treatment may involve a specific antibiotic, although most healthy individuals recover without medication. Immunocompromised patients are at higher risk for severe or prolonged illness.

"While cyclosporiasis cases can occur year-round, they typically rise during the spring and summer months," a Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesperson said in an email.

"The best way Pennsylvanians can prevent being exposed to cyclosporiasis is by washing their hands with soap and water before, and after, handling raw fruits and vegetables," the spokesperson added, recommending thorough rinsing of produce, scrubbing firm items, cutting away damaged areas and refrigerating cut or cooked foods promptly.

The CDC notes that routine disinfecting does not reliably kill the parasite, and there is no evidence that the current increase represents a single, multistate outbreak.