Cases of a Diarrhea-Causing Parasite Are Rising Sharply Across the U.S.

Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, are rising rapidly across the United States, with nearly 2,000 people infected so far this year. The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, often on farms, and can cause weeks of watery diarrhea and fatigue. Health officials are urging thorough washing of fresh produce as they track the growing outbreak.