Parasite outbreak spreads to 31 states, with 86 US hospitalizations

A cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread across 31 states, sickening hundreds of people and sending 86 to hospitals, US health officials said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 843 confirmed cases between May 1 and July 9, with no deaths. The agency also said it is aware of more than 1,500 additional cases that still need review, and expects totals to keep rising because reporting lags by weeks. Michigan has been hit especially hard, with 1,562 cases reported by Friday, while New York, Illinois and Ohio have also logged large counts. Investigators have not identified the source, but past US outbreaks have been tied to contaminated fresh produce. People get infected through food or water carrying the Cyclospora parasite.