(WKYT) – The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating nearly 200 reported cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Officials have confirmed 108 of those cases, with nine occurring in Fayette County.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, fatigue and stomach cramping. The parasite is mostly found in fruits and vegetables and is easy to miss in a clinical setting unless providers are specifically testing for it. Most routine stool tests do not include it.
Outbreak scope
The current outbreak could involve nearly 7,000 cases nationwide. The CDC has confirmed 1,600 cases, with approximately 5,100 more likely cases awaiting confirmation.
A 2023 outbreak of cyclosporiasis resulted in more than 2,000 cases across 40 states.
Debate over federal funding cuts
Some argue recent federal funding cuts have contributed to the current outbreak. Cyclospora is one of six parasites removed from a mandatory reporting list last year.
The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network — known as FoodNet — is a collaboration between the CDC, the Department of Agriculture, the FDA and 10 state health departments. It was created in the 1990s to track foodborne illness infections. When cyclospora was cut from required reporting, food safety officials feared the change could slow detection of foodborne illness outbreaks.
When asked whether changes to FoodNet contributed to the current outbreak, CDC leaders said it was unlikely, since FoodNet participating sites exist in only 10 states.
The National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods was also terminated by the USDA in 2025. That cut was made under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump to reduce government spending.
The Trump administration denies that federal cuts contributed to the outbreak. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “We’re committed to providing the CDC and the FDA the resources that they need, and we urge all Americans to follow CDC guidance on properly washing and cooking raw ingredients to prevent this foodborne illness.”
When asked whether the lack of permanent leadership at the CDC and FDA and any funding cuts had slowed the response to identifying the outbreak’s source, Leavitt said, “No, we’ve talked to the CDC and FDA specifically about that, and not at all. They have the resources they need to make sure that Americans are fully informed and protected from this illness during this time.”
CDC nominee questioned on outbreak
This week, senators questioned President Trump’s nominee to lead the CDC, Dr. Erica Schwartz, about the outbreak. Some Democrats asked her to commit to making cyclospora reporting mandatory again. Dr. Schwartz said she is committed to working with CDC staff to understand why mandatory reporting stopped and what can be done moving forward.
FDA investigating possible source
The FDA is investigating a possible source of the outbreak. A source told CBS News that investigators have potentially traced the contamination to lettuce from Mexico processed by Taylor Farms, a supplier for some Taco Bell locations and other major restaurant chains. As a precaution, Taco Bell has removed salad ingredients from some of its locations, including in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.