CDC Advisory: Cyclosporiasis
Today, the Department of Health (DOH / the Department) shared an Advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding cases of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis in multiple US states. Since May 1, 2026, CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis. This is substantially higher than the 249 cases reported nationally by this same time last year.
Cyclospora is an intestinal parasite that infects the small intestine and most commonly causes watery diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Symptoms typically develop about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days later. Without treatment, illness may persist for several weeks and may follow a relapsing course.
What Home Care Providers Should Know
Cyclospora is not spread through casual person-to-person contact. Infection occurs by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, with recent US outbreaks frequently linked to imported fresh produce.
Home care agencies should remind clinical and direct care staff to:
- Be alert for clients experiencing prolonged watery diarrhea, especially if accompanied by fatigue, abdominal cramping, nausea, or recent travel to tropical or subtropical regions.
- Encourage clients with symptoms to contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
- Reinforce proper hand hygiene and safe food handling practices during meal preparation and assistance with eating.
- Follow standard precautions when providing personal care to clients with diarrheal illness.
- Instruct employees experiencing diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms to notify their supervisor and follow agency policies regarding illness and return to work.
Routine household disinfectants and chemical sanitizers are not effective at killing Cyclospora. Good hand hygiene and safe food handling remain the most effective prevention measures.
Reporting Requirements
Cyclospora infection is a reportable disease in New York State.
Health care providers must report suspected or confirmed cases to the local health department where the patient resides. New York City providers should report cases through the NYC Health Department’s PRISM system (preferred), the Provider Access Line (866-692-3641), or by submitting a Universal Reporting Form.
Patient and Caregiver Education
Providers should encourage patients and caregivers to practice safe fruit and vegetable handling:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling produce.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or preparing them.
- Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Remove damaged or bruised portions of produce before eating.
- Refrigerate cut or peeled fruits and vegetables promptly.
- Separate fresh produce from raw meat, poultry, and seafood during storage and preparation.
- Cook foods when appropriate. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.
Additional Resources
New York State Department of Health: Cyclospora Infection
New York City Health Department: Cyclospora Infection
If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact your LHD or the NYSDOH Bureau of Communicable Disease Control at (518) 473-4439 or via email at bcdc@health.ny.gov. In NYC, please call 311.
DOH: Be Alert for Suspected Measles Cases
The Department of Health (NYSDOH) is advising health care providers to remain vigilant for suspected measles cases, particularly in under-immunized communities. The advisory follows a confirmed case in Chenango County, a wastewater detection of wild-type measles virus in Montgomery County, and reports of suspected cases in several regions of the state.
Home Care Provider Actions
Home care agencies should:
- Be alert for patients with fever and a rash, particularly when accompanied by cough, runny nose (coryza), or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
- Ask patients or caregivers about recent exposure to someone with measles, recent travel, and measles vaccination status if symptoms are present.
- Do not send staff with suspected measles symptoms to provide patient care.
- If a patient is suspected of having measles, notify the receiving healthcare facility before referring the patient so appropriate infection control precautions can be implemented.
- Immediately report suspected measles cases to the patient’s local health department. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation.
Protecting Patients and Staff
Measles is one of the most contagious vaccine-preventable diseases. Individuals are contagious from four days before until four days after the rash appears. Home care agencies should:
- Reinforce standard infection prevention practices, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Encourage staff to remain up to date with recommended measles vaccination.
- Educate patients and caregivers about measles symptoms and the importance of seeking medical advice before visiting a healthcare facility if measles is suspected.
Agencies serving immunocompromised individuals, infants, pregnant patients, or others at high risk should exercise heightened vigilance and promptly coordinate with public health authorities when measles is suspected.
