Largest U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak Tops 18,000 Suspected Cases as More States Are Added

A nationwide cyclospora outbreak continues to grow, with health officials now investigating more than 18,000 suspected cases across the U.S. The latest figures make this the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak ever recorded in the country.

According to federal health officials, over 6,700 cases have been laboratory confirmed since May 1, while another 11,500-plus reports are awaiting confirmation.

Key Highlights

• 9 states have now been linked to the outbreak tied to Mexican-grown iceberg lettuce.
• Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania were recently added to the list.
• Officials continue to stress that the U.S. food supply remains safe.

Michigan and Ohio See the Biggest Surge

Michigan has become the hardest-hit state, reporting more than 10,000 cases, including nearly 3,000 new infections in just one week. Ohio follows with over 2,600 reported cases.

Other states are also seeing sharp increases:

• Indiana: More than 900 cases, up significantly from last week.
• Kentucky: Cases climbed by 360 in one week.
• Illinois: Added roughly 350 new cases during the same period.

Cases Reported Nationwide

Health data shows that every U.S. state has reported at least one cyclospora case this year, although not all infections are connected to the current outbreak.

Some states have clarified their situations:

• Maine and Utah reported cases that are not linked to the ongoing outbreak.
• Hawaii's three reported cases were associated with international travel.

Domestic infections have been confirmed in nearly every state except Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Vermont, though residents there may still have become infected elsewhere.

Actual Case Count May Be Higher

Health experts believe the real number of infections is likely much greater. Many people experience mild symptoms, never seek medical care, or aren't tested, meaning numerous cases may never be officially recorded.

Travel-Related Infections Continue

In addition to the domestic outbreak, 42 states have reported travel-associated cases. These infections were linked to people who became sick after eating contaminated food or drinking unsafe water while traveling outside the United States.

So far, more than 1,000 laboratory-confirmed travel-related cyclospora cases have been identified across the country.