At least 50 individuals in Suffolk County have been diagnosed with cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea, according to county health officials. This brings the total number of cases on Long Island to 66. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services reported 49 confirmed cases of the illness, which can lead to diarrhea lasting over a month. Neighboring Nassau County has reported 17 cases, an increase from the same period last year.
National and State Trends
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly 7,000 people may have contracted cyclosporiasis. Michigan alone has reported close to 4,000 cases. In New York State, over 500 cases have been reported, with the majority concentrated in New York City, which has seen more than 380 cases this year—a threefold increase compared to 2025. Across the rest of New York State, 129 cases were reported as of July 8, with more than half originating from Long Island.
Investigating the Source
While cyclosporiasis is typically contracted through contaminated produce, health experts have not yet identified a specific source for the current outbreak. Public health officials are reportedly investigating a potential link to lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants across the country, according to The Washington Post.
Health Recommendations
Health officials are advising residents to take precautionary measures. These include thoroughly washing hands with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables, carefully washing all produce before consumption, and using clean cutting boards and utensils. Experts also note that heating food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit can effectively kill the parasite.