The US faces a significant cyclosporiasis outbreak, with over 6,800 potential cases. The real number is probably much higher due to underdiagnosis and mild cases going unreported.

Michigan alone reports more than 3,300 cases, with tainted lettuce identified as the likely source. Public health experts warn that thorough produce cleaning may not be enough; cyclospora can stick in crevices of fresh produce despite washing.

The parasite is resistant to common sanitizers and chlorine treatments, making it difficult to eliminate from water supplies used for irrigation. This means more people could get infected as the disease spreads through the food distribution network.

Historically linked to imported produce, recent outbreaks show cyclospora can now affect domestic crops too. Legal expert Bill Marler likens it to invasive species like pythons in the Everglades, taking over our bodies and water supplies.