Connecticut has recorded 30 cases of cyclosporiasis so far this summer as public health officials work to identify the source of an outbreak affecting multiple states, the Connecticut Department of Public Health said.
What residents need to know
State officials reported the first Connecticut case was logged on May 2, and the total rose to 30 as of July 8, according to Brittany Schaeffer, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the outbreak spans at least 17 states.
The illness is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which typically contaminates raw fruits and vegetables during production or handling. Dr. Elizabeth Kassapidis, an emergency medicine physician with Hartford HealthCare, said the organism is small but can lead to prolonged gastrointestinal illness.
"It's a very simple organism actually that can wreak a lot of havoc," Kassapidis said. "Believe it or not, some people can be infected and not have any symptoms. But generally speaking, these are gastrointestinal symptoms of abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea."
Testing is required to confirm cyclospora. Kassapidis told News 12 she recently evaluated a suspected case in Connecticut; only laboratory confirmation establishes a diagnosis. If tests are positive, there is a treatment option: antibiotics prescribed by a clinician.
Symptoms, duration and care
Symptoms often include abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea. Kassapidis emphasized that symptoms can come and go: episodes of illness may alternate with periods of improvement, and the condition can persist for weeks to months without treatment.
Health officials advise people who develop prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical evaluation and request testing for cyclospora when appropriate.
- Wash and dry produce thoroughly, particularly fruits with ridged surfaces such as raspberries.
- Cut away bruised or damaged areas of fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Seek medical care and testing if diarrhea or abdominal symptoms persist.
How Connecticut fits into the wider outbreak
The outbreak is not limited to Connecticut. As of early July, New York City reported nearly 400 cases, and state officials in Michigan said their total was approaching 1,000 cases, according to CDC and local reports. Investigations are ongoing to identify contaminated products or points of exposure linked to the illnesses.
| Jurisdiction | Reported cases (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | 30 (as of July 8) |
| New York City | ~400 |
| Michigan | nearly 1,000 |
State and federal investigators will continue interviews, laboratory testing and traceback efforts to identify contaminated food items or supply chains. In the meantime, clinicians and public health officials stress preventive handling of fresh produce and prompt testing when symptoms are concerning.
If you develop persistent diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider and mention possible cyclospora exposure so appropriate diagnostic testing and, if needed, antibiotic treatment can be considered.
— Olivia Ferraro, Connecticut correspondent
