Cyclospora cases nationally up sixfold; Alaska Department of Health urges produce washing

A parasite linked to contaminated food and water has sickened 1,645 people across 34 states since May 1, 2026, roughly six times the case count recorded by the same date last year. No single food item, grower, or supplier has been confirmed as the source of the multistate outbreak.

A separate cluster of more than 400 cases in at least four states remains under investigation.

The Alaska Department of Health relayed the CDC Health Alert Network advisory Thursday. As of July 16, Alaska has five cases this year, with illness onsets in May, June, and July. All five patients are adults, and none have been hospitalized. Three reported international travel shortly before illness onset, one reported out-of-state travel and exposure to fast-food restaurants, and one reported no out-of-state travel. The state typically records around five cyclosporiasis cases per year.

Symptoms and testing

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, spread through contaminated food or water, not person to person. Symptoms can begin 2 to 14 days after ingestion and include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, and low-grade fever. Without treatment, symptoms can relapse for weeks.

The CDC advisory warned that standard stool tests may miss the parasite. "Visit a clinician if you have prolonged or watery diarrhea, especially if it lasts more than a few days," the advisory said. "Reduce your risk by thoroughly washing fresh produce under clean running water before eating and by following safe food handling practices."

The CDC also cautioned that chemical disinfection may not be enough. "Be aware that chemically disinfecting or sanitizing produce might not fully eliminate Cyclospora," the advisory said. "It is important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed."

Guidance for Alaska clinicians

Alaska clinicians, laboratories, and tribal health organizations should specifically request Cyclospora testing when patients present with prolonged or relapsing watery diarrhea. Clinicians should promptly report suspected or confirmed cases to the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000 during business hours or 800-478-0084 after hours.