Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to produce

The US faces its worst Cyclospora outbreak with nearly 5,000 cases, primarily in Michigan with over 3,300 cases since late May.

Health officials suspect lettuce or salad greens as possible sources, but no definitive cause has been confirmed.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite transmitted via fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water.

Fresh produce like lettuce, spinach, cilantro, basil, and berries have been implicated in previous outbreaks.

The parasite is not directly contagious between people, requiring days to weeks in the environment to become infectious.