Oklahoma confirms spike in cases of cyclosporiasis as U.S. outbreak spreads

OKLAHOMA CITY — With 56 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, Oklahoma is the latest state to report a spike in cases amid a national outbreak of the intestinal illness. 

There have been six hospitalizations in Oklahoma of the illness, which causes “explosive” diarrhea, but no deaths, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health dashboard. Health officials report about 61% of the cases have been reported in women, and they’ve affected people between age 15 and 84. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have received reports of more than 1,600 cases in 34 states since May 1, but this is likely an undercount based on the numbers reported by state health departments. The CDC is aware of at least 5,100 more cases that need further analysis to confirm. 

In 2025, the CDC scaled back its surveillance program monitoring foodborne illnesses. The federal agency no longer requires monitoring for six pathogens, including cyclospora which is the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. 

Salad greens scrutinized as cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads

Michigan health officials have tentatively linked the outbreak to lettuces and salad greens while other state and federal experts continue working to find the source. 

Oklahoma health officials did not immediately say if they had linked the state’s cases to a specific source or how Oklahoma’s numbers compared to 2025. 

“Outbreaks and clusters of human illnesses have occurred from contaminated foods (typically fresh produce) imported from endemic countries into the United States,” according to Oklahoma health officials. 

Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and fatigue, according to the state Health Department. 

Patients often begin experiencing symptoms between two and 14 days after ingesting the parasite and the illness can last anywhere from several days to weeks. 

Treatment includes antibiotics and rehydration. 

To prevent illness, the state Health Department recommends that Oklahomans: 

• Clean hands with soap and water often, especially after using the bathroom, before preparing/eating food, after changing diapers, sneezing, coughing, caring for a sick person, or touching an animal; 
• Be careful with food selection and avoid raw foods like salads, uncooked vegetables and unpasteurized milk and milk products; and
• Avoid drinking untreated water.

The illness is not known to spread from person-to-person contact, according to guidance from the state Health Department. 

The Oklahoma State Department of Health recommends that laboratory-confirmed cases be reported to the state agency. Weekly data on cyclosporiasis cases in Oklahoma will be published every Tuesday morning. 

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Courtesy of Oklahoma Voice