CDC Responds To Multiple Health Threats As Parasite Cases Surge Across U.S.

Health officials are continuing to investigate a surge in cyclosporiasis cases, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, while also ramping up efforts to contain the New World screwworm, a destructive pest capable of causing life-threatening infestations in animals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said cyclosporiasis cases have climbed sharply this summer, with Michigan reporting more than 708 confirmed infections as of July 7 after typically seeing only about 50 cases during an entire year.

The illness is spread through contaminated food or water, most commonly fresh produce, and causes severe watery diarrhea,