Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens Thousands Across U.S.; CDC Monitoring Cuts Draw Scrutiny

A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic infection causing severe gastrointestinal distress, has sickened nearly 3,000 people across at least 31 states, with Michigan reporting the highest case count at over 1,500. Health officials describe the surge as abnormal compared to historical averages, though no deaths have been reported. The parasite is typically transmitted through contaminated fresh produce, such as berries, cilantro, and bagged salads, but the specific source of the current outbreak remains unidentified. Investigators face significant challenges due to the parasite’s long incubation period and the complexity of global food supply chains.

The outbreak has intensified criticism of recent administrative changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In July 2025, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) reduced mandatory pathogen tracking from eight to two, making cyclospora monitoring optional. Additionally, the CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria was dissolved in 2025, with staff reassigned. While CDC officials state that case reporting mechanisms remain effective, public health experts warn that these reductions may have hindered early detection and coordinated response efforts, leaving state agencies to manage the crisis with fragmented federal support.