The New York State Department of Health has reported an additional 22 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis between Sept. 8 and Sept. 14 in its weekly case tracking update.
The New York State Department of Health has been posting weekly updates on confirmed cyclosporiasis cases every Wednesday through the end of September.
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 Sept. 16 update.
NY confirmed cyclosporiasis cases update
As of Sept. 16, the state department has reported 1,064 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in NY from
May 1 through Sept. 14, and 1,098 confirmed cases between Jan. 1 and Sept. 14.
These numbers show an increase of 22 cases since last week, when the state had reported a total of 1,042 cases from May 1 through Sept. 8, and 1,076 cases from Jan. 1 through Sept. 8
The Sept. 2 update reported a total of 1,018 cases from May 1 through Aug. 31, and 1,052 cases from Jan. 1 through Aug. 31.
The Aug. 26 update reported 980 cases from May 1 through Aug. 21, and 1,014 cases from Jan. 1 through Aug. 24.
The Aug. 19 update reported 939 cases from May 1 through Aug. 17 and 973 cases from Jan. 1 through Aug. 17.
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 231 cases since Aug. 5.
Cyclosporiasis cases reported nationwide
As of Sept. 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 19,883 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States with onset symptoms beginning in the cyclosporiasis season, May 1 through Aug. 31.
The CDC stated that the Sept. 15 update would be the final weekly case tracking update for the 2026 season, as it states the number of recent infections "has significantly declined." There will be periodic surveillance updates, according to the CDC.
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: NY cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing. Here's the latest statewide total
