Hawaii health officials report two travel-related cyclosporiasis cases, total three this year

The Hawaii Department of Health announced two new cases of cyclosporiasis in residents who were infected while traveling abroad, raising the state’s total to three confirmed cases for 2026. Both patients lived in the same household and had recently visited international destinations and the U.S. mainland, where a cyclosporiasis outbreak has been reported. Investigators linked the timing of symptom onset and the parasite’s incubation period to exposures outside Hawaii.

The first case this year involved a nonresident visitor who also contracted the illness during travel outside the islands. State officials said there is no indication of locally acquired infection or ongoing community spread.

"Although these two cases involve Hawaiʻi residents, they were exposed while traveling outside the state," State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble said. "There is no evidence of local transmission in Hawaiʻi and the risk to the general public remains low. We encourage anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea after recent travel to seek medical care."

Cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is typically spread through contaminated food or water, often linked to fresh produce. Symptoms, which include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and fatigue, appear one to two weeks after exposure and can persist for weeks without treatment. The illness is not usually transmitted person-to-person because the parasite must mature in the environment.

Health officials advise residents to wash hands thoroughly, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, practice safe food handling, and seek medical attention for prolonged or severe diarrhea, especially after travel or consumption of produce from outbreak areas. The infection is treatable with prescription antibiotics, and providers are urged to report suspected cases and submit specimens for testing. Authorities will continue monitoring for additional cases and cooperate with healthcare providers and public-health partners to detect any signs of local transmission.