Parasite Cases Increasing In CT: See Latest Data, Products To Avoid

The number of cyclosporiasis cases continues to steadily increase in Connecticut as officials work to contain the multi-state outbreak of the diarrhea-causing parasite.

Connecticut cases of cyclosporiasis this year were up to 91 as of Aug. 11, the state Department of Public Health said Thursday.

The number had been at 52 as of July 17, and 23 on July 1. Connecticut had its first case reported May 2.

The intestinal illness is caused by a parasite which gets into the body through contaminated food or water. Frequent, watery diarrhea is a common symptom, along with fatigue and appetite loss.

Brittany Schaefer, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, said of the state’s 91 cases in 2026, 42 were domestically acquired and 12 were internationally acquired. The remainder are categorized as “unknown.”

In comparison, the state had 32 cases in 2025.

Connecticut has had four hospitalizations to date, Schaefer said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control as of Aug. 11 reported 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States since May 1. The CDC reported 740 hospitalizations and two deaths nationwide. The two deaths were in Michigan.

According to the CDC, it is aware of at least 10,455 additional cases of cyclosporiasis that are not laboratory confirmed or require further investigation to determine whether they were acquired in the United States.

Meanwhile, a recall on iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico remains in place. Taco Bell has removed the lettuce from its local restaurants and national supply chain. Sysco, the nation’s largest food distributor, withdrew all Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce from Mexico at ​the supplier's request.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s investigation is ongoing.

Find the complete list of affected products, as well as lot codes and use-by dates, here.

Consumers can continue to take precautions to avoid the illness, including washing hands, and washing fresh produce thoroughly. Cooking produce can kill the parasite.

Find advice from the CDC on preventing infection HERE.

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