Updated

Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 17

Maryland Reports 69 Cyclosporiasis Cases as D.C., Virginia Also See Summer Uptick

Updated

Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 17

Maryland Reports 69 Cyclosporiasis Cases as D.C., Virginia Also See Summer Uptick

Q: As a separate parasite outbreak grows in the D.C. area, what is the unknown local food source making residents sick?

The local food source has not been identified. Health officials in Washington, Maryland and Virginia say the D.C.-area cyclosporiasis cases are still under investigation, and they have not named a specific produce item, restaurant, grocery chain or distributor tied to the illnesses. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, is usually linked to contaminated fresh produce or untreated water, but the exact source in the region remains unknown. That means the D.C.-area illnesses are separate, for now, from the larger national surge. Investigators have said the local cases are not currently linked to the major multistate outbreak centered in Michigan and nearby states. In that broader outbreak, lettuce or salad greens have emerged as a possible lead, and one specific multistate cluster has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in several Midwestern states. But officials have not connected those findings to the D.C. region. In the D.C. area, Maryland has seen the sharpest rise, while Virginia is also above its usual seasonal average. The District’s case count remains relatively low and is largely associated with travel. Because Cyclospora has a long incubation period and tracing produce is difficult, investigations often take time. For now, the practical guidance is to treat fresh produce cautiously: wash it thoroughly under running water, avoid untreated water, and seek testing if severe or persistent diarrhea develops.

3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 17

Maryland logged 37 new cyclosporiasis cases from July 8 to July 14, bringing its total to 69 as of Tuesday, with 65 reported since May 1.
State health officials said the source remains unknown and local departments are investigating the infections, while advising produce washing and avoiding untreated water to reduce risk.
Virginia reported 37 cases this year as of July 4, up from 10 on June 6 and well above its typical 13.4 cases by this point in the season.
D.C. has recorded six cases since May 1, mostly tied to international travel, and officials in all three jurisdictions said their cases have not been linked to the broader outbreak.
Nationally, more than 4,000 cyclosporiasis cases—mostly in Michigan and nearby states—have been reported, with over 140 hospitalizations and no deaths.