Parasitic Intestinal Illness Spreads Across U.S., Dozens of Cases Reported in New Jersey

Health officials are monitoring a sharp increase in cyclosporiasis cases across the United States, with New Jersey among the affected states. The CDC is working with state health departments and the FDA to investigate the outbreak and identify its source.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,645 confirmed domestically acquired cases have been reported since May 1, 2026. Federal officials are also analyzing more than 5,100 additional cases that require further testing.

Union County Life is providing this guidance for residents concerned about the outbreak. New Jersey is currently listed as having between 31 and 80 reported cases. An exact statewide count and county breakdown have not been publicly released by the New Jersey Department of Health. The CDC has identified a large multistate outbreak in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky involving more than 400 infections. Additional clusters are being investigated nationwide.

Symptoms and timing vary. The most common symptom is frequent, sometimes severe, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and low-grade fever. Symptoms usually begin about one week after infection, though they can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or longer after exposure. Without treatment, symptoms may last from several days to a month or longer and can sometimes disappear before returning.

While cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, some patients become seriously ill and require hospitalization. Unlike some gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis is not typically spread directly from one person to another. The parasite generally must spend time in the environment before becoming infectious.

Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce including leafy greens and herbs. However, federal health officials have not yet confirmed a single food item as the source of the current nationwide increase.

What residents should do

The New Jersey Department of Health recommends practicing safe food handling: wash hands, produce, and kitchen utensils thoroughly. However, washing fresh produce may reduce the risk of infection but may not completely eliminate Cyclospora.

Residents experiencing prolonged or severe watery diarrhea, particularly after eating fresh produce, should contact a healthcare provider and discuss possible testing for Cyclospora. Health officials caution that the actual number of illnesses may be significantly higher than reported. Some people recover without seeking medical care, while others may not be specifically tested for the parasite.

The CDC, FDA, and state health departments continue investigating. Stay informed about public health news and announcements affecting New Jersey and Union County on Department of Health of New Jersey and on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is cyclosporiasis and how do people get infected?
A: Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. It is not typically spread directly from one person to another.

Q: What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
A: The most common symptom is frequent, sometimes severe, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and low-grade fever. Symptoms usually begin about one week after infection but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or longer after exposure.

Q: How serious is cyclosporiasis?
A: While cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, some patients can become seriously ill and require hospitalization. Without treatment, symptoms may last from several days to a month or longer and can sometimes disappear before returning.

Q: How many cases have been reported in New Jersey?
A: New Jersey is currently listed by the CDC as having between 31 and 80 reported cases. An exact statewide count and county-by-county breakdown have not been publicly released by the New Jersey Department of Health. The CDC has confirmed 1,645 domestically acquired cases nationwide since May 1, 2026, with over 5,100 additional cases under investigation.

Q: What foods have been linked to cyclosporiasis outbreaks?
A: Previous outbreaks in the United States have been linked to fresh produce including leafy greens and herbs. However, federal health officials have not confirmed a single food item as the source of the current nationwide increase.

Q: What should I do to prevent cyclosporiasis?
A: Practice safe food handling by washing your hands, fresh produce, and kitchen utensils thoroughly. However, washing produce may reduce risk but may not completely eliminate Cyclospora. If you experience prolonged or severe watery diarrhea, particularly after eating fresh produce, contact a healthcare provider and ask about testing for Cyclospora.