Health and Fitness : Investigation of an Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in the US

Outbreak map of cyclospora

Updated by CDC: 7/26/13

On June 28, 2013, CDC was notified of 2 laboratory-confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection in Iowa residents who had become ill in June and did not have a history of international travel during the 14 days before the onset of illness. Since that date, CDC has been collaborating with public health officials in multiple states and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis. Preliminary details of the ongoing investigation are highlighted below.

What are the symptoms of Cyclospora infection?
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.

Highlights: Epidemiologic Investigation
As of July 25, 2013 (5pm EDT), CDC has been notified of 321 cases of Cyclospora infection in residents of multiple states and one city, including Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Florida, New York City, Wisconsin, Georgia, Missouri, Arkansas, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Ohio. Illinois and Kansas have also notified CDC of one case each that may have been acquired out of state but in the United States.

1. Most of the illness onset dates have ranged from mid-June through early July.
2. At least 18 persons reportedly have been hospitalized in three states.
3. No food items have been implicated to date, but public health authorities are pursuing all leads.
4. Previous outbreak investigations have implicated various types of fresh produce.
5. It is not yet clear whether the cases from all of the states are part of the same outbreak.
6. No common events (e.g., social gatherings) have been identified among the case patients.
7. Additional cases are currently under investigation and will be included on this page as states confirm them. Cases in this outbreak are defined as laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infection in a person who became ill in June or July, 2013, and had no history of travel outside of the United States or Canada during the 14 days prior to onset of illness.

Laboratory Investigation
To date, CDC has confirmed 33 cases of Cyclospora infection in CDC laboratories. One of the cases was confirmed via telediagnosis.

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Source: CDC