DOH confirms 5th cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii

News admin August 15, 2026 0 Comments

DOH confirms 5th cyclosporiasis case in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a case of cyclosporiasis in a member of the military based in Hawaii.

The individual traveled internationally to a country where cyclosporiasis is endemic and also traveled to a U.S. state that has reported increased cyclosporiasis cases before developing symptoms, officials said.

The individual was tested in Hawaii.

Based on the information currently available, it is not yet known whether the infection was acquired in Hawaii or while traveling.

DOH is continuing its investigation, and officials said the risk of cyclosporiasis to the public in Hawaii remains low at this time.

Case history in Hawaii

This case brings Hawaii’s total number of cyclosporiasis cases in 2026 to five. Four of the cases are confirmed, with one probable case. The latter case was previously identified incorrectly as confirmed.

The first case involved a nonresident visitor whose infection was acquired outside of Hawaii. The second and third cases involved two Hawaii residents who traveled internationally. The fourth case involved a member of the military based in Hawaii who had also traveled internationally before becoming ill.

At this time, DOH has found no known epidemiological connection between the fourth and fifth cases. The individuals have no known contact with each other or other direct connections. DOH is continuing to investigate both cases.

Hilo wastewater detection

DOH is also investigating a low-level detection of Cyclospora in wastewater at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves approximately 32,500 people.

The detection was confirmed by metagenomic sequencing performed at the University of Missouri.

Wastewater detection alone does not establish that Cyclospora infection is present in the community, identify a source of infection, or indicate that the detection is related to any of the confirmed or probable cases. DOH is actively investigating and monitoring the finding as part of its ongoing surveillance.

Multistate outbreak connection

Federal, state and local health officials continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce processed by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Epidemiologic and traceback data showed that iceberg lettuce from the company’s central Mexico facility was contaminated with Cyclospora and made people sick. Taylor Farms de Mexico initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17, 2026. Most illnesses associated with the outbreak began before the recall. As of Aug. 13, the outbreak includes 9,481 illnesses reported from 17 states.

No recalled products were sold in Hawaii

No recalled iceberg lettuce was identified as being distributed to or sold in Hawaii and no cyclosporiasis cases reported in Hawaii have been linked to the recalled iceberg lettuce. Additionally, the best-by dates for the recalled products have passed and the products should no longer be available in stores or restaurants in states where they were distributed. CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak.