Cyclospora Cases in the U.S. Hit Record High
The New York Times • • health
Key Points:
- The CDC confirmed over 2,500 new cyclospora infection cases in the U.S., making 2026 the worst year on record for this parasitic illness with a total of 4,173 domestic cases since May 1 across 41 states.
- An additional 767 infections were linked to international travel, and the CDC is investigating more than 7,400 potential cases, with 308 hospitalizations but no reported deaths.
- The previous record for cyclospora infections was in 2019, with 4,703 cases, while the annual average since 2016 has been about 2,800 cases.
- Investigations suggest multiple sources for the outbreaks, including a linked cluster of at least 1,644 cases related to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms grown in central Mexico.
- Experts believe the actual number of infections is higher due to under-testing and reporting delays, with state health departments reporting over 11,000 cases collectively.
