A fast-moving gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite has infected more than 1,000 people across 18 U.
S. states since May 1, 2026, forcing health officials to investigate contaminated fresh produce as the likely source.
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Data compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments indicate that Michigan is the hardest-hit state, recording over 700 cases between June 22 and July 6, which resulted in 36 hospitalizations.
The rapid influx of patients suffering from severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps has overwhelmed medical testing laboratories, causing diagnostic turnaround times to slow from 24 hours to nearly three days in some regions.
Federal and local authorities are currently auditing grocery shopping histories and restaurant menus to pinpoint the origin of the infections, though no specific grower or product has been identified.
Regional Breakdown and Expert Concerns
New York City reported 301 cases this year, while New York State tracked 120 separate cases, followed by Ohio with 177 cases, North Carolina with 145 cases, and Illinois with 141 infections.
Dr. Anurag Malani, vice chief of staff at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, warned that the outbreak in Michigan is far from over as medical facilities brace for more infections.
"There are many more cases that are yet to come," said Dr. Anurag Malani.
Health workers are putting in extra hours to manage the spike, as the state typically logs only dozens of cases annually.
