Cyclosporiasis continues to spread across the United States; 43 cases reported in Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Cases of an uncomfortable intestinal illness are rising daily across the United States.
Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that can cause severe diarrhea, is now reported in 31 states across the country.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 43 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across Wisconsin from May 1, 2026, through July 9, 2026.
DHS notes fewer than 10 of those cases were acquired domestically, found in people who did not travel internationally.
As other states see outbreaks, doctors are reiterating that this disease isn't new, isn't deadly and can be avoided.
"It can be pretty uncomfortable, but it tends not to be extremely dangerous," said Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County's chief health policy advisor.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite, often contracted by eating contaminated produce.
"It takes about a week for the symptoms to kick in," Weston explained. "They're GI symptoms — the stuff that nobody likes to talk about. It's diarrhea, it's abdominal upset."
Weston said the disease is often most prevalent in the summer, and it's not unusual to see dozens to hundreds of cases in Wisconsin per year.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said the current number of domestically acquired infections is what they expect to see in a typical year, faring better than some other states this summer.
Michigan's health department is reporting almost 1,600 cases since June 22, with 44 hospitalizations.
According to the CDC, multiple states are reporting an increase in the last two weeks compared to this time last year, and officials still haven't identified the source of the outbreak.
"The thing that's tricky about it is, the produce you get from the grocery store is usually coming from somewhere and being shipped all over the United States," Weston explained. "So, that makes this really hard to pin down."
Weston said the good news is that cyclosporiasis can't be passed from person to person, and there are simple ways to avoid it.
"Washing hands with warm water and soap before you handle produce, then washing the produce really well, and washing your hands again after," Weston said.
For those with compromised immune systems, cooking produce is also effective.
The main concern with cyclosporiasis is dehydration.
Dr. Weston said those with symptoms that last longer than a few days should contact their doctor, as there is an antibiotic that can treat the disease.
The symptoms usually go away on their own but could last up to a month without antibiotic treatment.