At a glance
CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support the Multistate Cyclospora outbreak.
About the Response
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
CDC collaborated with public health officials in multiple states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis from June to August 2013.
During this time, a total of 631 persons with cyclosporiasis were reported from 25 states and New York City.
The findings in the investigations suggested that there was more than one outbreak of cyclosporiasis during June–August 2013 in the United States. Restaurant-associated illnesses in Iowa and Nebraska were linked to salad mix from Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato, Mexico. Some illnesses in Texas were linked to fresh cilantro from Puebla, Mexico.