CDC reports thousands of cyclospora infections across 34 U.S. states

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday that 1,645 people have been confirmed with cyclosporiasis, a diarrhoea-causing infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, and that another 5,100 cases are under investigation. The outbreak has been reported in 34 states, with Michigan experiencing the greatest impact, recording more than 3,700 cases according to the state health department. Other states with notable case numbers include New York, Ohio, North Carolina and Illinois, while Indiana, Texas and New Jersey also report sizable counts.

No deaths have been linked to the current wave of infections, but 141 patients have been hospitalised. Health officials note that the true number of infections is likely higher because many people recover without seeking medical care. The CDC expects case numbers to rise as additional data become available.

Cyclospora is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water; person-to-person spread does not occur. Dr. Caitlin Rivers of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security explained that transmission is "exclusively faecal-oral via ingestion of contaminated food or water." The source of the present outbreak remains unidentified, and no specific produce, grower or supplier has been confirmed. Past U.S. outbreaks have been tied to items such as bagged salad mixes, cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions.

Michigan health officials have advised restaurants and kitchens that handle raw produce to wash greens thoroughly, cook raspberries and leafy greens when feasible, and remove outer lettuce layers. Taco Bell issued a statement that it is "voluntarily and temporarily removing limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure," while monitoring the situation and following public-health guidance.