NEW YORK (PIX11) — There’s a mysterious outbreak of a diarrhea-related parasite happening in the U.S. right now, and New York is being hit by it the hardest.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is trying to determine the source of a Cyclosporiasis outbreak that has seen 145 reported cases across the country since the beginning of May.


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Cyclosporiasis, which is a disease that causes watery diarrhea and overall gastrointestinal discomfort, is caused by several species of the microscopic parasite, Cyclospora, according to the CDC.

The official report states that all 145 cases came after eating food and no patients had been traveling during the two weeks before becoming ill.

Map of states where Cyclosporiasis has been reported, with report density based on lighter or darker shades of blue. (Credit: CDC)

Ages range from 5 to 86 years old, with an average age of 42.

Twenty people were hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported, according to the CDC. Anywhere between 31 and 80 people have been sickened by Cyclosporiasis in New York since the outbreak began.

Multiple people in New Jersey have reportedly been affected by the outbreak as well.

The CDC notes that the “true number of people sick with Cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported.”

Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin were the other states mentioned.

There have been 45 cases of Cyclosporiasis acquired outside of the U.S. after drinking water or eating food within the 14-day travel window before becoming sick, according to the CDC.

Investigators are still trying to pin down potential sources. The bacteria typically spreads through consumption of food or drink that is contaminated with feces, according ot the CDC.

To learn more about the disease, click here.

Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.