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Cyclospora parasite in PA, NJ: Here’s what to know
WHYY • • general
Key Points:
- Public health experts are on alert due to a rise in cyclosporiasis cases, an intestinal illness causing severe diarrhea, with 145 cases reported nationally between May 1 and June 16, including clusters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Pennsylvania has recorded 28 cases so far in 2026, with 14 in Southeastern Pennsylvania, showing a decrease compared to previous years, while Michigan and Ohio have reported over 1,200 and 177 cases respectively.
- Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, often linked to imported contaminated produce like basil, cilantro, raspberries, and snow peas, with symptoms including watery diarrhea, cramps, and fatigue.
- Diagnosis requires multiple stool samples, and while healthy individuals often recover without treatment, immunocompromised patients may need antibiotics due to risk of severe illness.
- Prevention focuses on thorough handwashing, washing and scrubbing produce, and proper refrigeration, as routine disinfecting may not eliminate the parasite, and no single multistate outbreak has been identified.
