ARUP Laboratories Enhances Infectious Disease Dashboard with Cyclospora Insights During Nationwide Outbreak
In a proactive measure to combat the rising cases of cyclosporiasis across the United States, ARUP Laboratories has recently updated its National Infectious Disease Test Positivity Trends Dashboard by integrating Cyclospora test positivity data. As reported, the nation is witnessing an alarming uptick in cyclosporiasis cases, propelling ARUP to enhance its data resources for clinicians, laboratories, and public health professionals to effectively track and respond to this health crisis.
As the outbreak escalated, ARUP Laboratories noted that Cyclospora positivity rates surged dramatically from previously minimal levels to heights never seen before in a short span. This rapid increase highlights the critical need for timely and accurate data concerning disease surveillance, underscoring the dashboard's role in supporting healthcare professionals during such public health emergencies. Dr. Ben Bradley, the head of clinical operations for Infectious Disease at ARUP, emphasized that providing clinicians and laboratorians with near real-time data is essential for monitoring and managing emerging infectious diseases.
"We designed the dashboard to evolve as new public health needs emerge," stated Dr. Bradley, who also serves as the medical director for the Institute for Research and Innovation in Infectious Disease Genomic Technologies. This responsiveness reflects ARUP’s commitment to adapt its resources in alignment with the exigencies of varying public health scenarios, particularly in light of the rising interest from clients regarding the current outbreak.
The dashboard expansion comes at a critical juncture when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 28, 2026. An additional 11,500 suspected cases are undergoing investigation, marking the unprecedented scale of the outbreak that health officials are currently tackling.
Launched in May 2026, the National Infectious Disease Test Positivity Trends Dashboard stands out as the first tool developed by a U.S. reference laboratory to comprehensively track laboratory test positivity trends related to various pathogens. It includes dedicated pages for specific pathogens, complemented by weekly updates, interactive maps, and illustrative charts based on ARUP's extensive testing data. This resource is particularly beneficial for laboratories and clinicians dedicated to monitoring disease activity effectively.
The design of the dashboard prioritizes patient confidentiality and data protection, ensuring all displayed information remains de-identified. The interactivity is limited, which serves to maintain the privacy of patients and clients while still offering crucial insights into disease trends.
In line with its innovations in laboratory research and development, ARUP Laboratories continues to be a trailblazer in enhancing diagnostic methodologies to address pressing health issues. Founded in 1984 as a nonprofit enterprise of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, ARUP has established itself as a leading national reference laboratory. Catering to a vast array of testing needs, the laboratory provides over 3,000 tests including critical molecular and genetic assays. It is also recognized for its commitment to research excellence through the ARUP Institute for Research and Innovation in Diagnostic and Precision Medicine.
As cases of cyclosporiasis continue to rise, the integration of Cyclospora data into the dashboard underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and rapid response in safeguarding public health. For more information on accessing the National Infectious Disease Test Positivity Trends Dashboard and ARUP's innovative testing solutions, visit www.aruplab.com.