NEWS
What food is causing ‘explosive diarrhea’ outbreak? Cases top 1,600
Lori ComstockUSA TODAY NETWORK
July 15, 2026, 11:55 a.m. ET
What food is causing the “explosive diarrhea” outbreak? Federal investigators still don’t know
As Cyclospora cases continue to rise across the United States, CDC officials are investigating a large multistate outbreak and multiple additional clusters. But one question remains: What is causing the Cyclospora outbreak?
The growing concern over the Cyclospora parasite outbreak — an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis — has fueled searches for the Cyclospora outbreak cause, cyclosporiasis outbreak and what food may be making people sick as cases of Cyclospora reach 1,645 nationwide
CDC’s cyclosporiasis outbreak map has updated, with officials now linking more than 400 illnesses in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky to a large ongoing investigation
Here’s what investigators know about the search for the culprit food — and why the answer remains unclear
What food is causing the explosive diarrhea outbreak?
Health officials still don’t know. CDC says investigators have not identified a confirmed foodinvestigations continue to list the product linked to illnesses as “Not Yet Identified.”
Has CDC identified the Cyclospora outbreak cause?
No. CDC, FDA and state health officials are still investigating the Cyclospora outbreak and have not confirmed a specific food item as the
FDA’s active Cyclospora investigations also list the product linked to illnesses as “Not Yet Identified,” underscoring that investigators are still trying to determine what food may have made people sick
Why hasn’t a food
Investigators are still collecting clues. CDC says public health officials are interviewing sick patients about what they ate before becoming ill and comparing responses across hundreds of cases. FDA is simultaneously conducting active Cyclospora investigations as officials work to identify a common link
Where is the explosive diarrhea outbreak?
CDC says a large multistate Cyclospora outbreak has been linked to illnesses in:
- Michigan
- Ohio
- West Virginia
- Kentucky
Officials say additional cases remain under investigation, and the outbreak may not be limited to those states
Cyclospora outbreak map
CDC’s latest cyclosporiasis outbreak map shows confirmed domestic Cyclospora cases reported in 34 states. Federal health officials say investigations remain ongoing as they work to identify the
How many Cyclospora cases have been reported?
- 1,645 confirmed domestic Cyclospora cases
- 141 hospitalizations
- 34 states reporting cases
- 0 deaths
CDC also says it is aware of more than 5,100 additional cases that require further analysis
What foods have been linked to Cyclospora outbreaks before?
According to the CDC and FDA, past Cyclospora outbreaks have been associated with:
- Leafy greens
- Bagged salad mixes
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Berries
- Other fresh produce commonly eaten raw
Officials have not said any of those foods are responsible for the current outbreak
What is Cyclospora cayetanensis?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is the microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness known for causing watery diarrhea, explosive diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and other digestive symptoms, per the CDC Cyclosporiasis page
The parasite is typically spread through contaminated food or water
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com
