Every summer comes with its own seasonal reminders—wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on air quality. This year, health officials are adding another item to the list. New York City is currently investigating a significant spike in cases of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic illness that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
While the outbreak is still under investigation, here’s what New Yorkers should know, including symptoms to watch for, how it spreads, and what health officials are saying so far.
The 2026 Cyclospora Spike: By the Numbers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases are spreading across at least 34 states. Locally, the numbers show a steep upward trend:
- In New York City: The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has reported 374 cases diagnosed since May 1, 2026. A staggering 93% of these cases have cropped up in just a ten-week window.
- Statewide: The New York State Department of Health reported 394 cases statewide as of July 9, 2026, meaning nearly 70% of the state’s total burden is concentrated right within the five boroughs.
- Nationally: The CDC is actively investigating over 5,100 suspected cases (with 1,645 already officially confirmed). Roughly 9% of affected individuals have required hospitalization, though thankfully, no deaths have been reported.
What is Cyclospora and How Does It Spread?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. People typically become infected after eating fresh produce or drinking water contaminated with tiny amounts of fecal matter.
One important thing to know: Cyclospora does not spread from person to person. You can’t catch it by being around someone who’s sick. Cases tend to spike during the summer, especially from June through August. In past outbreaks, health officials have linked infections to contaminated fresh produce, including leafy greens, salad mixes, basil, cilantro, berries, and onions.
While it’s always a good idea to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them, experts say Cyclospora can cling tightly to produce, meaning washing alone may not completely remove the parasite.
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis: What to Watch For
If you accidentally ingest the parasite, symptoms usually take about one week to show up (though they can appear in as little as two days or take up to two weeks).
- Watery, frequent, and sometimes “explosive” diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and significant weight loss
- Severe stomach cramps, bloating, and increased gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Low-grade fever
How Is Cyclospora Treated?
If you have the above symptoms for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider. Cyclospora can be diagnosed with a special stool test, though you’ll likely need to ask for it specifically since standard food poisoning tests don’t always check for the parasite.
The infection is usually treated with antibiotics, which can significantly shorten symptoms. In the meantime, rest, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and talk to your doctor before taking anti-diarrheal medication, as it isn’t recommended in every case.
How to Help Protect Yourself
While health officials are still investigating the source of the current outbreak, they recommend taking a few simple precautions:
- Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, streams, or other natural sources.
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Cook vegetables when possible, as heat kills the parasite.
- Consider buying whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-packaged salad mixes during the outbreak.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food and after using the bathroom.