Has cyclosporiasis hit the DC area? What to know as parasite spreads
A parasitic foodborne disease that causes “explosive” diarrhea is on the rise in the United States, including in the DMV region, where health departments are tracking a growing number of infections.
cyclosporiasis It has caused 843 illnesses and 86 hospitalizations as of July 9, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although the number of cases is likely higher. No deaths were reported.
Here’s what to know about the disease and how many cases have been confirmed in Washington DC and its neighboring states.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis and causes “watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements.” HKM he says.
Other common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.
“Cyclosporais is usually transmitted by infected feces contaminating food or water.” US Food and Drug Administration he says. “Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely because the Cyclospora parasite needs time (days to weeks) to become infectious to another person after being passed through a bowel movement.”
The best ways to prevent cyclosporiasis are to wash produce before eating, avoid untreated water, avoid contact with human or animal feces, and wash hands after using the restroom, after changing diapers, and before handling food, the CDC says.
It remains unclear how food became infected with cyclospora, but so far the outbreak has been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and mesclun lettuce, health officials said.
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated the illness can last a month or longer.
How many cases of cyclosporiasis are there in Washington DC?
As of July 13, the District of Columbia Department of Health has not reported any cases of cyclosporiasis.
The CDC says cases have been reported in 31 states, and both D.C.’s neighboring counties are among the places where the illnesses are occurring.
How many cases of cyclosporiasis are there in Maryland and Virginia?
Up to 32 people in Maryland have been infected with cyclosporiasis since May 1, health officials said.
There is an almost double increase compared to the same period in 2024 and 2025; Maryland reported 19 cases from May 1 to July 7, 2024, and 18 cases over the same two-plus months in 2025.
Officials did not say where in the state the cases occurred, but MedStar Health said: CBS Baltimore at least one case was in Baltimore.
Fairfax County Health Department On July 8, 10 people in Virginia were infected with cyclosporiasis, he said. A day later, the CDC reported that the state had between 11 and 30 cases since May 1.
States were only required to report cases monthly, but due to the increase in case numbers, the CDC now requires weekly case count updates.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Has cyclosporiasis hit the DC area? Things to know when the parasite is spreading
