California Reports Sharp Rise in Cyclosporiasis Cases, Exceeding Annual Average
California is experiencing a significant increase in cyclosporiasis cases, with 215 confirmed and probable cases reported as of July 15, including 13 hospitalizations. This rise is occurring despite officials confirming that California is not affected by the national outbreak linked…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 7, 2026 —
California has seen a substantial surge in cyclosporiasis cases, with health officials reporting 215 confirmed and probable cases as of July 15. This figure includes 13 individuals who have been hospitalized due to the illness.
The current caseload significantly exceeds the state’s typical annual average for cyclosporiasis, which hovers around 106 cases. Health authorities have noted this increase is occurring even though California is not part of the national outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce.
While the precise source of the current rise in infections remains under investigation, contributing factors are believed to include increased travel patterns and a greater awareness of cyclosporiasis symptoms among the public and healthcare providers. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite’s oocysts.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include frequent, sometimes profuse, watery diarrhea, often accompanied by loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating and gas, nausea, and fatigue. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, or body aches may also be present. Symptoms typically appear about a week after ingestion of the parasite.
Story summarized from the original created by Gilare Zada on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
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