In the near future, we plan to introduce legislation to add cyclosporiasis to Pennsylvania’s list of reportable diseases and require healthcare providers and laboratories to report confirmed cases to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. 
 

Recent reports have highlighted a growing multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The disease can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, prolonged symptoms, dehydration, and hospitalization. Timely reporting of cases is critical to identifying outbreaks, tracing sources of contamination, and preventing further spread. 
 

Despite cyclosporiasis being a nationally notifiable disease, Pennsylvania does not currently require cases to be reported to public health authorities. Instead, reporting occurs on a voluntary basis. This gap may limit our ability to quickly identify trends, coordinate investigations, and respond to emerging public health threats. 
 

Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to strengthen disease surveillance, improve outbreak response efforts, and better protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.