As many of you are aware, public-health agencies are investigating an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak and an increase in reported cases across the United States. The following resources provide current, science-based information about Cyclospora, outbreak investigations and practices that can help reduce the risk of contamination. 

CDC Surveillance on Cyclosporiasis 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is publishing updated national surveillance information as reports of cyclosporiasis increase during the 2026 season. As of July 9, CDC received reports of 843 confirmed domestically acquired cases across 31 states, including 86 hospitalizations and no deaths. CDC noted that additional cases were still being reviewed, and that reported totals were expected to rise because of delays between illness onset, diagnosis and reporting. Federal, state and local agencies are investigating several clusters, but potential sources have not yet been identified. 

The surveillance page also explains how CDC counts cases, distinguishes domestically acquired illness from travel-associated cases and provides updated epidemiological information as investigations continue. 

Source: CDC Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis 

FDA Cyclospora Overview:  

Provides accessible background on transmission, symptoms, foods historically associated with outbreaks and the limitations of washing produce. 

Source: FDA Cyclospora Overview 

General Cyclospora Information 

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences provides a general overview of the parasite, including how infections occur, common symptoms, foods that have historically been associated with illness and recommended prevention practices. This resource can serve as an introduction for employees, consumers and others seeking general background information. 

Source: Preventing Foodborne Illness: Cyclosporiasis 

Prevention Practices for Farms 

A second UF/IFAS publication focuses specifically on preventing Cyclospora contamination in agricultural production environments. It emphasizes worker health and hygiene, properly maintained toilet and handwashing facilities, management of human-waste leaks or spills, protection of agricultural water sources and evaluation of sewage and septic systems near production areas. 

Because commonly used sanitizers are not considered effective against Cyclospora, prevention efforts should focus on keeping human waste from entering growing and handling environments. 

Source: Prevention of Cyclospora Contamination and Transmission on the Farm 

Updates Related to the Current Investigation and FAQ 

The International Fresh Produce Association is maintaining a regularly updated webpage addressing questions related to the current investigation. The page includes information about symptoms, transmission, agricultural water, produce testing and steps consumers can take. 

It also reinforces that public health agencies have not recommended avoiding fruits or vegetables and that no specific food or produce company has been identified as the source of the current cases. Readers should check the page regularly as information may change as the investigation progresses. 

Source: What Is Cyclospora? FAQs from IFPA 

Understanding Cyclospora Outbreak Investigations 

The Association of Food and Drug Officials has developed a fact sheet explaining why Cyclospora investigations differ from investigations involving bacterial pathogens. 

The document discusses the importance of evaluating potential routes of human-waste contamination, including water sources, toilets, sewage systems, worker housing and flooding events. It also describes investigative challenges such as delayed case detection, the short shelf life of fresh produce, specialized laboratory methods and limited tools for directly connecting illnesses, environmental findings and food samples. 

Source: Investigating Fresh Produce Cyclospora Outbreaks 

Together, these resources can help the fresh produce community respond to questions with accurate, science-based information while continuing to emphasize prevention, agricultural water assessment, worker hygiene and sanitation. 

Technical Guidance for Food-Safety Professionals 

The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods report, Cyclospora cayetanensis in Produce, provides an in-depth technical review of the factors that may contribute to the contamination of fresh produce. The report examines the parasite’s biology, potential environmental and human-waste contamination pathways, agricultural water, sanitation and hygiene practices, available detection methods, and the challenges associated with controlling Cyclospora in production and handling environments. It also identifies important scientific and operational knowledge gaps and provides recommendations to support more effective prevention, investigation and management strategies. This resource is particularly valuable for growers, food-safety professionals, researchers and regulatory personnel seeking a detailed assessment of the current science. 

Source: NACMCF Report: Cyclospora cayetanensis in Produce 

If you have any questions, please contact the WGA science team [email protected]  and [email protected].