Broome County Issues Warning Over Rising New York Parasite Cases

New York has already logged more cyclosporiasis cases in six weeks than it typically sees in a full year, and health officials still don't know exactly why.

Cyclosporiasis Parasite Transmission and Common Symptoms

The Broome County Health Department is reminding residents about a rise in cyclosporiasis cases across New York State. The illness is caused by Cyclospora, a parasite that hitchhikes on contaminated food or water and settles in the small intestine once it's swallowed. Once it takes hold, it typically causes watery diarrhea with frequent, explosive bowel movements, along with loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, and fatigue that lingers longer than a typical stomach bug. Some infected people never feel a thing, which is part of what makes tracking this parasite so tricky.

Cyclosporiasis Outbreak and Case Numbers in New York State

As of July 8, the Broome County Health Department reported more than 500 cyclosporiasis cases statewide, with 129 of those outside New York City. That number has kept climbing. By July 15, state health officials put the statewide count at 517 cases, including 273 in New York City, and that compares to 500 to 700 cases across the entire year in both 2024 and 2025.

Broome County Health Department Local Case Status

As of the health department's July 16 update, there have been no reported cases of cyclosporiasis in Broome County. The outbreak so far has concentrated heavily downstate and in scattered clusters around the country, and the county has stayed clear of it for now.

Cyclospora Incubation Period and Medical Diagnosis

The incubation period lasts about a week on average, though symptoms can appear anywhere from two to fourteen days after exposure. If you've traveled somewhere Cyclospora is common, or you start noticing symptoms without an obvious explanation, health officials recommend getting tested through your primary care provider, a walk-in clinic, or a hospital. Diagnosis comes down to a stool sample sent for lab testing.

High Risk Groups and Cyclosporiasis Health Complications

Most cases resolve without much drama, but severe illness sometimes needs antibiotic treatment. People who are immunocompromised face a higher risk of complications and should reach out to their doctor if symptoms appear. Because the diarrhea can drain the body of fluids fast, dehydration becomes the real danger here. Anyone experiencing symptoms should rest and continue drinking fluids throughout the illness.

How to Prevent Cyclospora Infections Through Food Safety

Wash your hands with soap and water before you prepare, chop, or cook any raw fruits or vegetables, whether it's just for you or for a whole family dinner. Wash every piece of produce thoroughly under running water before it hits your plate. Cooking produce above 158 degrees kills the parasite outright, and health officials elsewhere in the state are now suggesting that people reach for whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-bagged greens, peeling away the outer leaves before washing what's left.

National Cyclospora Outbreak States and Contaminated Foods

New York isn't alone in this. Cases have turned up in at least 31 states this year, and Michigan has been hit hardest, with more than 3,300 confirmed cases making it the largest outbreak in that state's history. Investigators haven't identified a single common source linking all the cases, though past outbreaks have been traced to imported produce such as raspberries, cilantro, basil, and snow peas.

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For now, Broome County is one of the lucky spots on the map. Whether that holds through the rest of the summer may come down to how carefully everyone handles what's on their cutting board.