HEALTH
Infectious Diseases
Cyclosporiasis cases surge. Should you avoid certain foods?
Melina KhanUSA TODAY
Updated July 14, 2026, 2:03 p.m. ET
Officials are still investigating whether a specific food or produce item is thehat can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues
As of July 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 1,600 cases of cyclosporiasis, though the agency noted it is working to verify more than 5,000 additional infections
State-by-state data suggests the total number of cases is much higher. In Michigan alone, officials are tracking more than 2,600 infections as of July 13, according to the state’s Health and Human Services department
Caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, the illness is usually spread through contaminated food such as produce items or water, according to the CDC
The CDC has not yet identified thence of a single, multistate outbreak linking all cases. However, officials in Michigan have indicated that they are looking into whether lettuce is the
As the illness continues to spread, here’s what to know about produce and its role in past outbreaks
Is cyclosporiasis caused by produce? What to know about possible sources
People often get sick with cyclosporiasis by consuming water or food contaminated with feces, according to the CDC. Oftentimes, the cyclospora parasite spreads through produce
While the CDC has not identified thendicated that produce could be involved
In Michigan, officials said on July 13 that they are zeroing in on lettuce as the possibled out any other food items
What foods have been linked to past cyclosporiasis outbreaks? See list
According to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and outbreak tracking website Outbreak Database, the following foods have been linked to past cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States and Canada:
- Bagged salad mixes and kits
- Basil
- Blackberries
- Carrots/celery
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Green peas
- Leaf lettuce
- Parsley
- Onion
- Raspberries
- Romaine lettuce
- Snow peas
- Strawberries
- Tomato salad
- Zucchini
Should you avoid fresh produce? What experts say
Because of the link between produce and cyclosporiasis, experts say it’s best for people worried about illness to be cautious about which fruits and vegetables they’re eating, but they don’t have to write off produce completely
Dr. Rabia de Latour, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone, said she is personally avoiding bagged lettuce, cilantro, parsley and raspberries until ake bananas, oranges and kiwis – are still fine to eat as long as they have been washed, she said
“The reason we have to kind of broadly generalize advice right now is because we don’t know the
Even though cyclosporiasis is not deadly and treatment is available, de Latour cautioned that the illness could be worse for those who are immunocompromised or for other vulnerable groups
Joellen Russell, a climate and integrative science professor at the University of Arizona and co-founder of the nonpartisan organization Science Moms, said people should be extra cautious about fresh lettuce and bag salad mixes
Russell said it depends on where the lettuce or produce item was grown, because it’s possible that states with a higher number of cases – like Michigan – are more likely to have tainted irrigation water used for fresh produce
“Where I would worry the most are those bag salad mixes. They’re usually mixed probably from more than one grower. And that can make it much more difficult,” Russell told USA TODAY
Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, chief hospital epidemiology officer at Tampa General Hospital, emphasized that people should be aware, not alarmed
“Consumers should remember that the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables far outweigh the risks. The focus should be on safe handling and preparation,” Cherabuddi said
How to reduce risk of cyclosporiasis
Besides potentially avoiding certain food items altogether, people can take other steps to reduce the risk of contracting cyclosporiasis, such as cooking fruits and vegetables and immediately refrigerating prepared produce
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness from produce, the CDC recommends taking the following measures:
- Wash your hands with soap and water when handling raw fruits and vegetables.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.
- Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Remove any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.
Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan
