As cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise across the country, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says the number of cases in Iowa is rising, too.
Cyclosporiasis is a stomach-churning infection caused by the cyclospora parasite that can leave patients with diarrhea and nausea. More than 6,700 cases have been logged across 45 states since May 1, although that’s probably not reflective of the true total of people affected.
How has Iowa been affected by the outbreak? Here’s what to know.
Is cyclospora causing infections in Iowa?
As of July 30, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has identified 226 cyclosporiasis cases in 48 Iowa counties since the beginning of the year. This is a considerable spike from the 69 cases reported in all of 2025.
Not all of the cyclosporiasis cases Iowa is seeing are tied to the national outbreak however, HHS Communications director Danielle Sample wrote in a statement. In Iowa, 47 patients reported recent international travel, meaning they likely picked up the infection abroad.
What are symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
The parasitic infection can cause explosive diarrhea, cramping, nausea, fatigue and other symptoms. Officials are probing whether a food or produce item is the source of a surge in cases of cyclosporiasis.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said symptoms can appear two days to two weeks after someone is infected with the parasite. The organization also issued a health alert to doctors, other medical providers and public health officials about the outbreak.
What’s happening nationally with cyclosporiasis?
Cases have been reported in 45 states, with a large number of cases reported in Michigan and Ohio.
The CDC reported more than 2,500 new cases in its weekly update released on July 28. There have been 423 hospitalizations and no deaths, per the agency.
Federal health authorities are still investigating the sources of what they believe to be multiple separate outbreaks, the largest of which is centered in Michigan.
This largest outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce grown by produce giant Taylor Farms in central Mexico, prompting the company to initiate a recall on July 17.
Is cyclosporiasis caused by produce? What to know about possible sources
People often get sick with cyclosporiasis by consuming water or food contaminated with feces, according to the CDC. Oftentimes, the cyclospora parasite spreads through produce.
How to reduce risk of cyclosporiasis
Besides potentially avoiding certain food items altogether, people can take other steps to reduce the risk of contracting cyclosporiasis, such as cooking fruits and vegetables and immediately refrigerating prepared produce.
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness from produce, the CDC recommends taking the following measures:
USA TODAY reporters Ken Alltucker and Melina Khan contributed to this article.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
Norah Judson is a reporter for the Register. Reach her at njudson@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Cyclosporiasis cases increasing in Iowa. How many have been confirmed?
Reporting by Norah Judson and Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Norah Judson and Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
