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Mass. won't see as many Cyclospora cases as Midwest, Tufts doc says
WCVB • • health
Key Points:
- Eighteen cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Massachusetts between May 1 and July 1, consistent with typical seasonal levels, amid a larger outbreak affecting much of the Midwest.
- Cyclospora infections are surging nationwide in 2026, with Michigan and Ohio reporting over 3,000 cases, marking the worst year for the parasite in the U.S. to date.
- The parasite spreads through contaminated fresh, uncooked produce such as raspberries, bagged lettuce, cilantro, scallions, snow peas, and fresh basil, often linked to feces-contaminated irrigation water.
- Taco Bell has proactively removed certain ingredients from its menu as investigations into the outbreaks continue, while doctors note that diagnosing Cyclospora is challenging due to delayed symptom onset.
- Massachusetts health officials and infectious disease experts do not expect the state to experience as severe an outbreak as seen in the Midwest.
