Key points
- CDC is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed. Since May 1, 2026, CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis. So far this year, multiple states have reported an increase in cases compared to the same period in 2025.
- CDC and state and federal partners are working together to investigate several outbreaks of cyclosporiasis. Investigations to identify and confirm the sources of the outbreaks are ongoing.
- On a regular basis, CDC reports all laboratory-confirmed cases that are received from states. State data may include both probable and confirmed cases, which in turn is likely to reflect a higher case count than the CDC surveillance data because initial case reports have not yet been reported to CDC. The CDC surveillance updates do not include probable cases.
2026 fast facts
As of July 13, 2026:
- U.S. cases reported to CDC: 1,645
- Hospitalizations: 141
- Deaths: 0
- States reporting cases: 34
Overview
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. Cyclosporiasis is a nationally notifiable disease and is reportable in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City. Even if it is not reportable in a state, it is important for healthcare providers and the public to inform local health departments about potential cases and clusters of the disease so that they can take appropriate action to prevent additional cases.
Surveillance
CDC, along with state and federal health and regulatory officials, monitors cases of cyclosporiasis year-round to detect outbreaks linked to a common food source in the United States. This aids in swiftly identifying and investigating outbreaks in the United States. Cyclosporiasis also can be acquired when people eat or drink contaminated food or water during travel outside the United States. CDC and other agencies are working to further develop and validate molecular-level tools for linking cyclosporiasis cases.
Case counts rise during the spring and summer months; therefore, the cyclosporiasis season is considered May 1 through August 31. Clusters of cyclosporiasis cases have been detected outside this range in some years. In 2026, the outbreak season began on May 1.
Data
As of July 13, 2026, 1,645 lab-confirmed cases were reported in people who acquired cyclosporiasis in the United States. Cases were reported by 34 states. These people became sick after eating food in the United States and did not report any travel during the 14 days before they got sick.
Sick people ranged in age from 2 to 95 years, with a median age of 44, and 56% were female. The median illness onset date was June 22, 2026 (range from May 1 to July 9). Of 1,645 people with information available, 141 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Multiple jurisdictions have reported an increase of cases compared to the same period in 2025. We assume a 6-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting to CDC; therefore, we anticipate that case counts will continue to rise as data are received.
CDC teams are working diligently to collect, analyze, and provide data at the national level. State health departments may have more timely information about the situation in their jurisdictions.
The numbers reported on this page reflect a total surveillance count of cases across the United States, including clusters of cases currently under traceback investigation by FDA and cases that have not been linked to a common source. Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing.
Important update
Cases acquired in the U.S.
This map shows where the 1,645 people with cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States since May 1, 2026, lived. Cyclosporiasis cases may not be limited to these states with known cases. The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.
*These data include case data reported directly to the cyclosporiasis surveillance program at CDC. Case counts may not match exactly with what is listed in the Nationally Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System tables. New York State includes case reports from New York City. In Pennsylvania, cases are reported voluntarily. Data are preliminary and subject to change. For questions related to the number of cases reported in each state, contact that state's health department.
Cases acquired outside the U.S.
As of July 13, 2026, an additional 440 cases were in people who ate or drank food or water that made them sick while they were traveling outside the United States during the 14 days before they got sick. These cases were reported by 35 states. Sick people ranged in age from 14 to 89 years, with a median age of 45, and 59% were female. The median illness onset date was June 9, 2026 (range from May 1 to July 8). Of the 440 people with information available, 20 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Resources
- Reporting a Foodborne Disease Outbreak (general public)
- Report a Problem with Food
- Cyclosporiasis National Hypothesis Generating Questionnaire
- FDOSS Home | Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS)| CDC
- Common Edible Peas in the United States
- Foodborne Outbreak Surveillance Data
- Food and Water Precautions for Travelers | Yellow Book | CDC