LAFAYETTE — Louisiana health officials say confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have climbed sharply this month, and Lafayette Parish is one of the two areas in the state with the highest reported totals.
What the state data show
The Louisiana Department of Health reported 43 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of Tuesday, up from 23 the previous week. Hospitalizations have risen as well — from one to five. No deaths have been reported.
| Metric | Most recent report | Previous week |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed Louisiana cases | 43 | 23 |
| Hospitalizations | 5 | 1 |
How Cyclospora spreads and who’s at risk
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that typically causes watery, often intense diarrhea along with cramping, nausea and fatigue. Health officials note that the infection
“doesn’t spread directly from person to person”because the parasite requires time in the environment after passing in a bowel movement before it becomes infectious. That delay means contaminated produce is the usual driver of outbreaks.
State epidemiologists say cases have turned up in nearly every region of Louisiana, with the highest numbers coming from Lafayette and East Baton Rouge parishes. The current statewide total puts Louisiana well above its recent seasonal average: the state has typically seen roughly 30 cases during this stretch of the calendar over the past five years.
Where this fits in nationally
The spike mirrors a broader national trend. Since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has logged about 1,645 confirmed U.S. cases and is reviewing more than 5,100 additional reports awaiting confirmation. The agency says the current pace far exceeds the 249 cases reported by this point last year.
Advice for Lafayette residents
Health officials encourage anyone with diarrhea that hasn’t cleared within a few days to see a health care provider and ask about testing for cyclospora. Treatment typically requires antibiotics, and symptoms can last several weeks — sometimes longer — if left untreated.
Prevention measures emphasize careful handling of fresh produce. Simple steps include:
- Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water before preparing food;
- Rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water; do not use soap or bleach on produce;
- Refrigerating perishable produce promptly and avoiding cross-contamination with raw meat.
Locally, clinicians and public health officials say vigilance is warranted as the summer season typically brings higher cyclospora activity across the Gulf states. For Lafayette residents, that means paying attention to symptoms, seeking testing when diarrhea persists, and taking common-sense steps to clean and store produce safely.
State and federal investigators are continuing to monitor cases and look for possible common sources, though current infections in Louisiana have been described as sporadic and not yet tied to a specific farm or processing plant.
