Latest On Parasite Infections In PA As Patients Hospitalized Nationally

Cases of the parasite that causes severe diarrhea have continued to rise around the country in Pennsylvania, with thousands of cases estimated nationwide.

The CDC lists Pennsylvania at between 11 and 30 cases of cyclosporiasis as of Tuesday afternoon. The latest Department of Health data puts that specific number at 28.

It's not yet known how many of those Pennsylvania cases have required hospitalization.

While the CDC has only confirmed 843 cases domestically, along with 343 cases acquired abroad, state health departments have, in total, confirmed more than 4,000 cases this year.

There have been at least 86 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.

RELATED: Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak In PA: 7 Things To Know And What To Do

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora cayetanensis and can lead to watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or longer after infection, according to health officials.

The parasite can spread through food or water contaminated with the parasite, and person-to-person transmission generally does not happen, health officials said. Previous U.S. outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and lettuce.

Health officials have not identified a specific produce item, grower, supplier, restaurant, grocery chain or Pennsylvania location tied to the illnesses. The CDC said there is currently no evidence of a single, multi-state cyclospora outbreak linking all cases. Instead, federal, state and local public health officials are investigating several clusters of cases in more than one state.

Lettuce or salad greens could be a possible source, Michigan health officials speculated Monday. The state is reporting the most cyclosporiasis cases in the country.

However, they hedged that by adding "no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source.”

The CDC has reported an average of about 2,800 cases per year nationwide, but 2026's outbreak is on pace to easily surpass that number. The organization considers May 1 through Aug. 31 the annual cyclosporiasis season since case counts typically rise in the spring and summer.

The best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated. Officials recommend properly preparing fruits and vegetables by thoroughly washing them before cutting, eating and cooking.

With reporting from Patch correspondent Emily Rosca