Hamilton County Reports 16 Cyclosporiasis Cases as CDC Tracks Outbreak

Hamilton County Health Officials Report 16 Cyclosporiasis Cases as CDC Tracks Nationally Widespread Outbreak

As of July 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 843 cyclosporiasis cases nationwide, with 86 hospitalizations across 31 states. Hamilton County’s 16 cases align with a broader trend, as the agency noted a six-week lag between symptom onset and reporting. The Ohio Department of Health emphasized that cyclosporiasis is typically not life-threatening but can cause severe dehydration, requiring emergency care.

Dr. Zoe Weiss of Tufts Medical Center Predicts Massachusetts Outbreak Avoidance

Massachusetts officials reported 18 cyclosporiasis cases between May 1 and July 1, with Dr. Zoe Weiss of Tufts Medical Center predicting the state would avoid the large outbreaks seen in the Midwest. Meanwhile, Michigan reported over 3,300 cases, and Ohio’s 177 cases, as of July 2, highlight the regional disparity. The CDC is investigating multiple clusters, including outbreaks in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

CDC Investigates Clusters in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky

Cyclosporiasis is transmitted through contaminated produce such as raspberries, bagged lettuce, and cilantro. The CDC warned that the source of the outbreak remains under investigation, with officials urging thorough washing of fruits and vegetables.

Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce. In 2018, McDonald’s removed salads from restaurants in 14 states after federal health officials linked them to dozens of cases of cyclosporiasis, and tainted lettuce imported from Mexico was suspected to have sickened 400 people in the U.S. in 2013. The illness does not spread from person to person, noted Biggerstaff, who emphasized that “the source of this outbreak is what we eat or drink — not casual contact with someone who’s sick.”

McDonald’s Removes Salads in 14 States After Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water before and after handling raw produce, scrubbing firm fruits and vegetables with a clean brush, and cooking food to 158°F to kill the parasite.

The CDC’s ongoing investigation includes interviewing affected individuals to trace the outbreak’s source. With cases expected to rise due to reporting delays, public health agencies urge vigilance.

As of Tuesday, the CDC reported 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide, with 141 hospitalizations and no deaths. The agency noted that the true number of infections is likely much higher, as the figure represents only cases reported by states directly to the CDC. There is also a lag between symptom onset and reporting, and many people recover from the illness without medical treatment. Michigan alone reported 3,309 cyclosporiasis cases as of Tuesday, according to the CDC.

CDC Notes 2026 as Peak for Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks

Health officials from California to Texas to Florida have reported cases of cyclosporiasis since the start of May. Some of the hardest-hit areas appear to be in the Midwest and Northeast, including Michigan and New York. The Ohio Department of Health reported 177 cases as of July 2, according to the CDC. The agency is investigating several clusters of cases that may be epidemiologically linked, including a multistate outbreak that includes at least four states: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

The CDC has also noted that the current outbreak is the nation’s worst year for reported cases, with state-level data suggesting 2026 as the peak. As of July 9, 364 cases have been reported in Ohio, leading to 46 hospitalizations. Nationally, 843 cases have been reported, with 86 hospitalizations. The CDC emphasized that the outbreak is not limited to any specific region, with cases detected in 34 states. “It’s typical for cyclosporiasis infections to rise in the spring and summer, but the CDC said Friday that multiple states had reported a larger jump in cases over the previous two weeks than they had during the same period last year. Only 249 cases had been reported nationally at this time last year,” according to NPR.

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