The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) on Friday confirmed five cases of cyclosporiasis in residents across the state, including at least one case reported in South Mississippi along the Coast. State epidemiologists said the cases are under investigation but are not linked to the larger multistate outbreak being tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What officials say and what residents should know
State epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson emphasized that this is not a new illness and urged Mississippians not to panic. She also stressed that transmission is not from person to person but typically follows ingestion of contaminated food.
"This is not a new or novel disease," Dotson said. "I think the most important thing that I would fight for Mississippians to know is not to panic. It is not transmitted from person to person."
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The CDC and MSDH note the parasite is frequently associated with fresh produce; foods cited in previous investigations include berries, leafy greens such as lettuce, cilantro and snap peas. Symptoms commonly include frequent, watery diarrhea and stomach cramps and can also include nausea, fever and fatigue.
Scope of the nationwide investigation
While Mississippi has reported five confirmed cases, the CDC is simultaneously verifying a much larger national tally. According to CDC figures shared with state health officials, investigators have confirmed 1,645 cases nationwide and are working to verify more than 5,100 additional reports. The federal investigation has recorded more than 140 hospitalizations but no confirmed deaths tied to cyclosporiasis.
| Metric | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Mississippi confirmed cases | 5 |
| CDC confirmed U.S. cases | 1,645 |
| U.S. reports under verification | 5,100+ |
| Hospitalizations nationwide | 140+ |
Prevention, diagnosis and local response
The CDC recommends thorough washing of fresh produce to reduce the risk of ingesting the parasite and advises consumers to discard or avoid bruised or damaged produce. For firm produce such as melons and cucumbers, scrubbing the skin can help remove contamination. Because cyclosporiasis typically stems from contaminated food items rather than direct person-to-person spread, food-safety measures at home and in retail and restaurant settings are central to prevention.
- Symptoms to watch for: watery, frequent diarrhea; stomach cramps; nausea; fever; fatigue.
- When to see a doctor: If symptoms are severe, persist for several days, or lead to dehydration. Left untreated, symptoms may relapse.
- Testing and treatment: Diagnosis requires laboratory testing for Cyclospora; treatment is available and effective when prescribed by a clinician.
MSDH did not provide the counties where the five cases occurred and said no common exposure has been identified so far. Investigators continue to interview patients to look for shared food sources, purchase histories or other links. Residents with questions or possible exposures are advised to contact their healthcare providers or the MSDH for guidance.
Local public-health partners, grocery retailers and restaurants typically receive routine guidance from MSDH during these investigations to reinforce safe handling of fresh produce. For now, officials are urging vigilance, proper food handling and prompt medical attention for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.
The department will update the public as new information becomes available.
