New cyclospora infections detected in Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A new wave of cyclospora infections is rising in Kentucky. 

In 2025, there were only 13 people who tested positive at Norton Children’s Hospital, and within the past three weeks, they say they’ve diagnosed 16 new patients.

Cyclosporiasis is an infection that is spread by ingesting food contaminated with cyclospora. Dr. Kris Bryant, an infectious disease specialist with Norton Children’s Hospital, said this parasite is not unknown.

“Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that causes diarrhea illness. People usually get exposed through contaminated food or water,” Bryant said.

The CDC says diagnosing someone can be a challenge under the scope for lab tests. Cyclospora egg-like spores have to be present for proper diagnosis. Bryant said there are spikes of cases in certain seasons.

“Cases of cyclosporiasis tend to increase every year during the summer. What is new is that some states in the Midwest in Michigan and Ohio are reporting hundreds of cases of cyclosporiasis,” she said.

According to the CDC, foodborne outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to fresh produce. Bryant urges people to wash their hands and produce to prevent infections.

“Number one, wash your hands well with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables. Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating them. before cooking them,” Bryant said.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite and more. Bryant says the incubation period varies and finding out the origin of exposure could be difficult.

“With cyclosporiasis this is not what you had for dinner last night. The time from when you’re exposed and the time you get sick can be as short as two days, but it might be two weeks or longer so it can be tricky to figure out where the infection came from,” she said.

She said if you are diagnosed with cyclospora, you may be contacted by someone from the health department.