Massachusetts Logs 18 Cyclospora Cases, Tufts Doctor Sees No Repeat of Midwest's 3,000-Case Surge
Updated
Updated · WCVB Boston · Jul 15
Massachusetts Logs 18 Cyclospora Cases, Tufts Doctor Sees No Repeat of Midwest's 3,000-Case Surge
1 articles · Updated · WCVB Boston · Jul 15
Summary
Eighteen Cyclosporiasis cases were reported in Massachusetts from May 1 to July 1, but Tufts infectious-disease doctor Zoe Weiss said the state is unlikely to mirror the Midwest outbreak.
More than 3,000 cases have been reported in Michigan and Ohio, while Massachusetts health officials say 18 cases match the state's usual spring and summer levels.
Cyclospora spreads through contaminated fresh produce — including raspberries, bagged lettuce, cilantro, scallions, snow peas and basil — often tied to feces-contaminated irrigation water.
The outbreak is pushing precautions beyond hospitals: Taco Bell said it would remove some ingredients as investigators trace the source, while doctors warn diagnosis is difficult because symptoms can take weeks to appear.
State-level data suggest 2026 is already the worst U.S. year for reported Cyclospora cases, even as Massachusetts so far remains outside the hardest-hit zone.