STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Cyclospora has caused thousands of infections across the United State since May, and New York is no different.
Nearly 1,000 New Yorkers have suffered from the cyclospora parasite this year with 898 happening since May, according to state Department of Health data released Wednesday.
The agency is publishing data updates every Wednesday through the end of August tracking the cyclosporiasis outbreak across the Empire State.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak linked largely to imported produce has affected thousands of Americans with the bulk of cases in Michigan and Ohio. Nationally, 47 states have reported cases of the infection caused by the parasite.
Since May 1, there have been 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States while only 1,180 cases were reported in the United States between May 1 and August 31, 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A large multi-state outbreak linked to processed iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has contributed significantly to this year’s high case count, according to the Centers. On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The recall included iceberg lettuce sold at retail stores and served in restaurants.
Spread by eating and drinking infected food or water, cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can affect the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea, according to the Department of Health.
Symptoms, which begin about a week after exposure, most commonly include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea, and fatigue, according to the federal government.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend safe food handling to avoid food-borne illnesses.