State health officials confirm 43 cases of Cyclosporiasis, WI farmers on alert

Wisconsin Case Trends and Public Health Guidance

State health authorities in Wisconsin are currently monitoring 43 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection that triggers severe diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and fatigue. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, a majority of these local infections have been linked to international travel. However, as the illness spreads across the U.S., regional health departments are emphasizing preventative measures for handling fresh produce.

Puente advises consumers to wash their hands thoroughly before handling food and to rinse all produce. She added that cooking produce to the correct temperature will kill the parasite.

Michigan Outbreak Expansion and National Surveillance

The situation is significantly more acute in Michigan, which has emerged as the epicenter of the current surge. As of July 10, 2026, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 1,562 confirmed cases, a rapid increase from 1,251 cases just one day prior. The outbreak has touched 43 of the state’s 83 counties, including areas in the Upper Peninsula.

For more on this story, see Cyclosporiasis Cases Surge Across 34 States as Officials Probe Lettuce.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, indicated that the state is working to identify a common source by sequencing parasite genomes found in patient samples. Despite the extensive investigation, no specific food item has been identified as the culprit, preventing authorities from issuing a targeted product recall.

Agricultural Perspectives on Produce Safety

As state agencies investigate, shoppers and local farmers are adjusting their habits. At the Hilldale’s Wednesday Farmers’ Market in Stoughton, some consumers expressed a preference for locally grown goods to avoid the uncertainties associated with long-distance supply chains. If I go to the big box stores, I have no idea where that food came, or how long it’s been in transit, or how it was grown, shopper Maggie Kraft told WKOW.

This follows our earlier report, Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Hits 32 States With Thousands of Confirmed Cases.

Local growers report that they are closely monitoring the situation. Kristen Kordet, owner of Blue Moon Community Farm, said the outbreak has certainly come onto our radar in a big way, though she emphasized that her farm follows strict safety protocols.

Debate Over Surveillance and Food Safety

The scale of the current surge has prompted questions regarding national foodborne illness tracking. Cyclospora is among those no longer monitored under that specific program.

Laura Knoll, a professor of medical microbiology at UW-Madison, suggested that the cuts to surveillance systems may hinder the speed at which officials can identify contamination sources. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains that cyclospora tracking remains active. A spokesperson stated that the agency continues to collect data through other surveillance systems in coordination with the FDA and state partners, emphasizing that cyclospora tracking never stopped.

Read also: Cyclosporiasis Cases Hit 5,000 Across 31 States With Midwest Surge.

For those concerned about exposure, public health officials continue to recommend thorough produce preparation. While some experts, such as Laura Knoll, have noted that there isn’t really a safe way to wash it if the parasite is deeply embedded, agencies like the Cudahy Health Department stress that rinsing and proper cooking remain the primary lines of defense for consumers. Residents should consult their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of gastrointestinal illness.

Find more reporting in our Health section.