The White House is closely monitoring a multistate parasite outbreak that has sickened more than 400 people, as federal health officials work to identify the contaminated food source.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Thursday that the administration is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to trace the outbreak. She affirmed that these agencies have the resources needed to address the situation. "We're committed to providing the CDC and the FDA with the resources that they need," Leavitt said. "Most importantly, [we're working to] trace the outbreak back to its original source, which we are currently in the process of doing."
The CDC confirmed it is investigating a large cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting over 400 individuals in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The agency noted that the actual number of infections is likely higher, as not all infected individuals seek testing or medical attention. The outbreak appears to have accelerated since May, with the CDC investigating additional clusters of cyclospora infections nationwide.
Public health officials are interviewing patients about their food consumption in the two weeks prior to falling ill to pinpoint the source. The lack of a identified contaminated food item has heightened concern, leaving consumers without specific guidance on what to avoid. Historically, cyclospora infections have been linked to fresh produce, such as leafy greens, herbs, and berries, though officials emphasize that identifying the specific contaminated item remains the investigation's top priority.
Cyclospora infections are generally not life-threatening, but the CDC warns that some individuals can become seriously ill and require hospitalization. Symptoms typically emerge about a week after exposure and can include prolonged watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and weight loss. Without treatment, the illness can persist for weeks or longer. The CDC advises consumers to wash fresh produce thoroughly under running water, cook food when possible, and stay hydrated if symptoms develop. Individuals experiencing persistent diarrhea are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider. The agency also noted that patients may need to specifically request testing for cyclospora, as routine stool tests do not always screen for the parasite.