FDA Identifies New Cyclospora Outbreak With 72 Cases as Parasite Spreads Across US

The FDA announced a new cyclospora outbreak involving 72 cases on July 23, with the source still unidentified. The outbreak adds urgency to an already severe crisis: the US has recorded over 11,000 confirmed or probable cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, 2026, far exceeding the 2,700 cases reported in all of 2025. Michigan alone has reported 7,664 cases, making this the largest foodborne illness outbreak in recent US history.

The new outbreak and ongoing investigations

The FDA posted the investigation on its Foodborne Illness Outbreak website, but the source remains unidentified. The agency has initiated a traceback to follow the contaminated product through the supply chain. This new outbreak is separate from the Taylor Farms lettuce outbreak that has sickened thousands in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky since mid-July.

Why cyclospora is hard to detect and contain

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the gut and causes severe diarrhea, cramping, and nausea. Unlike bacterial pathogens that can be grown in culture to confirm contamination, cyclospora cannot be cultured, making it extremely difficult to detect on food. According to Craig Hedberg, professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Minnesota, investigators must rely heavily on interviews with sick people to trace the outbreak source. Testing sometimes fails to detect small amounts of the parasite on fresh produce, even when contamination is present.

What foods carry the risk

Cyclospora has been found in fresh produce with rough, irregular surfaces, including cilantro, parsley, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, spinach, salad mixes, and berries. The parasite enters the food supply when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water, or when a food handler with poor hygiene contaminates it. Cooking to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills the parasite, but washing alone does not reliably remove it from crevices.

Federal response and staffing concerns

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the outbreak is “under control,” but experts have raised concerns about capacity. The Trump administration slashed federal funding and key officials responsible for investigating foodborne outbreaks and sharing public information. Craig Hedberg stated that “cuts to federal funding over the past year or so have reduced our capacity to respond to outbreaks like this.” Kennedy dismissed criticisms as “invalid,” but the CDC’s official count of 4,173 confirmed cases lags far behind Michigan’s tally of 7,664, suggesting coordination challenges.

Final Thoughts

With over 11,000 cases reported and a new outbreak of unknown origin, the cyclospora crisis tests the federal government’s ability to contain foodborne illness. Until sources are identified, consumers should cook produce thoroughly and report symptoms to their doctor immediately.

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