New Yorkers have been encouraged to thoroughly wash all produce and their hands as the state experiences some of the most reported cases of a diarrhea-causing intestinal parasite.
107 cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, have been reported in New York since May 1, according to preliminary data from the New York State Department of Health.
Nationwide, 145 cases have been reported across 17 states between May 1 and June 16, 2026, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of cases have been reported in New York, though officials say there is no evidence of a single multistate outbreak linking them.
While cyclosporiasis is contracted through drinking water or eating produce contaminated with feces, it is not the only food-borne illness that can cause diarrhea and other similar symptoms.
“While the American food supply is among the safest in the world, the Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of food-borne illness annually — the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6 Americans each year,” U.S. Food & Drug Administration said in a 2022 report. “And each year these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.”
E. coli, salmonella, listeria, shigella and norovirus are all commonly contracted food-borne illnesses in the United States that can cause similar symptoms to cyclosporiasis.
Here is what New Yorkers should know about these other common illnesses.
E. coli infection
E. coli is a bacterium that can cause what is known as “travelers’ diarrhea” from water or food contaminated with human feces, according to the FDA.
Symptoms, which usually start one to three days after exposure, can include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and some vomiting.
An E. coli infection can last anywhere from three to seven or more days.
Salmonella infection
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause salmonellosis from foods like eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurized milk or juice, cheese, contaminated raw fruits and vegetables, according to the FDA.
Symptoms, which can start six to 48 hours after exposure, can cause diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
The illness can last from four to seven days.
Listeria infection
Listeria is a bacterium that can be transmitted from unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk and ready-to-eat deli meats.
Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and nausea or diarrhea. The gastrointestinal symptoms can show up nine to 48 hours after exposure, or two to six weeks for the invasive disease.
Listeria is especially dangerous for those who are pregnant, elderly or immunocompromised, as it can cause still births, early deliveries, bacteremia or meningitis. The length of the illness can vary.
Shigella infection
Shigella is a bacterium that can cause illnesses known as shigellosis or bacillary dysentery. It can be ingested through raw produce, contaminated drinking water, uncooked foods and cooked foods that are not reheated after contact with an infected food handler, according to the FDA.
Symptoms, which can show up four to seven days after exposure, include abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea. Stool can also contain blood and mucus if infected. The illness typically lasts 24 to 48 hours.
Noroviruses
Noroviruses are bacteria that can cause illnesses known as viral gastroenteritis, winter diarrhea, acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis and food poisoning.
Like shigella, norovirus can be transmitted through raw produce, contaminated drinking water, uncooked foods and cooked foods that are not reheated after contact with an infected food handler, according to the FDA. It can also be ingested through shellfish from contaminated waters.
Symptoms, which can show up 12 to 48 hours after exposure, can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever and headache. Typically, diarrhea is more common in infected adults, while vomiting is more common in children. The illness can last a week.
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York State. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 5 food-borne illnesses that can look like cyclosporiasis. What to know
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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By Madison Scott, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
