New York Seeing Surge in Stomach Illness Cases: What Residents Need to Know

By CNYonline.com News

New York is among the states currently reporting some of the highest numbers of cyclosporiasis cases in the United States, as federal and state health officials continue to investigate clusters of the gastrointestinal illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 145 domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis were reported across 17 states among people who became sick from May 1 through June 16, 2026. The CDC reported 20 hospitalizations and no deaths connected to the current surveillance count.

In New York, the CDC reported between 31 and 80 cases during that same period. Health officials have not identified one specific source tied to the New York cases, and the CDC says there is currently no evidence of a single multistate outbreak linking all reported cases.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. It is typically spread when someone eats food or drinks water contaminated with the parasite. Past U.S. outbreaks have often been connected to fresh produce, especially imported produce, according to the New York State Department of Health.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Some people may also experience vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, or flu-like symptoms. Symptoms often begin about one week after infection, though some people may not have symptoms at all.

The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases typically rise during the warmer months, with the main surveillance season running from May 1 through August 31. Health officials are continuing to investigate possible sources and clusters, including whether any cases may be tied to a common food source.

Residents are encouraged to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, keep produce refrigerated, wash hands before preparing food, and contact a healthcare provider if they experience ongoing diarrhea or severe stomach symptoms. Cooking food can kill the parasite.

What to know: Cyclosporiasis can be treated, but it may require specific testing to diagnose. Anyone with prolonged diarrhea, dehydration concerns, or symptoms that do not improve should contact their healthcare provider.