Louisiana health officials have confirmed 23 Cyclospora infections, with one hospitalization and no deaths, in a preliminary count that is already slightly above the state's five-year average of 20 for this point in the season.
The parasite-driven illness is typically tied to contaminated food or water—often fresh produce such as leafy greens, herbs and berries—and cases usually climb during the May 1 to Aug. 31 cyclosporiasis season.
Symptoms commonly start about a week after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea and fatigue; testing may require a specific lab test not included in routine stool screening.
Nationally, the CDC had logged 145 domestically acquired cases across 17 states and 20 hospitalizations as of June 16, while Michigan has since reported more than 700 cases.
Federal and state investigators have not identified a clear source or a single multistate outbreak, and health officials are urging people with symptoms to seek care and handle produce carefully.