Why might CDC counts be lower than states’ actual cyclosporiasis case totals?

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CDC Cyclospora Case Counts May Underestimate State Totals Due to Reporting Variations and Historical Data Adjustments

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that its reported cyclosporiasis case counts may be lower than the actual totals reported by individual states. This discrepancy arises from several factors, including differences in how states categorize and report confirmed versus likely cases, delays in reporting to the CDC pending investigation completion, and historical adjustments to surveillance programs. The CDC is actively collaborating with states to reconcile these numbers and provide more accurate data as new information becomes available.
State Reporting Practices Differ Significantly

States employ varied methods when reporting cyclosporiasis cases to the CDC. Some states combine figures for both confirmed and probable cases into a single number, while others delay reporting until their investigations are fully concluded. This lack of uniform reporting creates a gap between the data the CDC compiles and the comprehensive figures held by individual states, as seen with Michigan reporting 1,562 cases while the CDC website lists 843 confirmed cases and an additional 1,500 requiring further analysis.
Historical Surveillance Program Changes Impact Data

Changes to national surveillance strategies have also contributed to potential undercounting. Under the Trump administration, specifically during the tenure of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, the CDC made state reporting of Cyclospora optional in 2025 as part of a broader scaling back of its Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network. This decision can affect the consistency and completeness of data collection over time.
CDC Actively Working to Update Case Numbers

The CDC is aware of the likely underestimation in its publicly available data and is engaged in ongoing efforts to rectify this. The agency is working closely with state health departments to incorporate updated numbers as more cases are confirmed and undergo further analysis. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the national data reflects the most current and complete picture of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.

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Why might CDC counts be lower than states’ actual cyclosporiasis case totals?

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