The yearly total of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in New York has officially surpassed 1,000, according to the New York State Department of Health.
The New York State Department of Health has been posting weekly updates on confirmed cyclosporiasis cases every Wednesday through the end of August.
State officials have previously said New York typically reports about 500 to 700 cyclosporiasis cases each year, with similar totals reported in 2024 and 2025. The 2026 total has now surpassed 1,000 cases and is roughly double the annual totals reported in each of the previous two years.
Here is what to know about the Aug. 26 update.
NY cyclosporiasis cases surpass 1,000
The total number of cyclosporiasis cases reported in New York this year has officially surpassed 1,000, according to state
health department data.
As of Aug. 26, the state health department reported 980 cyclosporiasis cases from May 1 through Aug. 24 and 1,014 cases from Jan. 1 through Aug. 24.
Last week's update, released Aug. 19, reported 939 cases from May 1 through Aug. 17 and 973 cases from Jan. 1 through Aug. 17. That means 41 additional cases were reported during the past week.
The Aug. 12 update reported 898 cases from May 1 through Aug. 10 and 932 cases from Jan. 1 through Aug. 10.
The Aug. 5 update reported 833 cases from May 1 through Aug. 3 and 867 cases from Jan. 1 through Aug. 3.
The latest figures represent an increase of 147 cases since Aug. 5.
Cyclosporiasis cases reported nationwide
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 17,180 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States between May 1 and Aug. 24, along with at least 11,841 additional cases that may require further investigation and analysis.
According to the CDC, 1,180 cyclosporiasis cases were reported nationwide between May 1, 2025, and Aug. 31, 2025.
Federal health officials are investigating multiple Cyclospora outbreaks, including a multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. The CDC said the outbreak has "contributed significantly" to the increase in cyclosporiasis cases across the country.
New York is not among the states identified in that outbreak.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, outbreaks have often been linked to fresh produce, including cilantro, basil, salad mixes, snow peas and raspberries.
Unlike many gastrointestinal illnesses, cyclosporiasis is not usually spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms can include:
- Frequent "explosive diarrhea"
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Muscle aches
Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure but can take up to two weeks to develop. Without treatment, the illness can last for weeks or longer.
How to reduce your risk
Health officials recommend the following steps when handling fresh produce:
- Wash your hands before and after handling fruits and vegetables.
- Clean and sanitize cutting boards, knives and food preparation surfaces.
- Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Remove bruised or damaged areas of produce.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly under running water before eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.
- Cook food when possible, as heat can kill the parasite.
When to seek medical care
Cyclosporiasis is usually not life-threatening, but severe diarrhea can cause dehydration, particularly among older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.
Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea, signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain or symptoms lasting more than several days should contact a health care provider.
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York State. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't helpfamilies with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Diarrhea-causing parasite cases top 1,000 in New York. What to know
