Verne Hill
Avoiding Cyclospora, the ‘explosive diarrhea’ food born parasite
The latest on that nasty ‘stomach bug’ that causes debilitating diarrhea, cramps and bloating has now spread across 34 states including North Carolina.
(Wednesday, July 22) Cyclospora cases in North Carolina have risen to more than 500 statewide (as of July 20), as the cause of the growing outbreak still remains a mystery.
State health officials hosted a virtual media briefing Tuesday afternoon. Make sure to wash your hands frequently. Washing fresh produce (berries, herbs and veggies) thoroughly is also advised!
Experts say only humans get sick from the parasite. Animals can carry it but do not show symptoms
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a Cyclospora parasite. People can become infected after consuming contaminated fresh produce or other foods. Symptoms include prolonged diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps and fatigue.
Updated info https://ncnewsline.com/2026/07/21/cyclosporiasis-outbreak-surpasses-560-cases-in-north-carolina/
Symptoms and additional info: https://www.newsweek.com/cyclospora-symptoms-patient-experience-explosive-diarrhea-outbreak-12211887?utm
(Tuesday, July 21) Experts are still investigating what is causing that multistate outbreak of the “explosive diarrhea” parasite cyclospora. What to do? Wash hands + wash fresh produce (berries, herbs and veggies) thoroughly!! Symptoms and additional info about the nationwide ‘stomach bug’ https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cyclospora/what-we-truly-know-about-huge-us-cyclospora-outbreak-and-what-we-don-t
(Monday, July 20) False positive? The FDA says that a false positive for cyclospora was discovered when the agency again reviewed the results of iceberg lettuce samples from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The false positive doesn’t change the company’s earlier voluntary recall of its iceberg lettuce that was sourced from central Mexico.
(Friday, July 17) Shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms is being investigated as a possible source for that nationwide cyclospora outbreak.
Symptoms and additional info
Avoiding Cyclospora, the ‘explosive diarrhea’ food born parasite.
The CDC recommends washing (even scrubbing) fresh produce under clean running water before eating because the parasite sits on the outer surfaces.
Products labeled “pre-washed” don’t guarantee their safety, according to the department. Cooking food is the only way to kill the parasite before eating it
There’s no evidence that soaking food or dousing it with vinegar or commercial vegetable washes is enough to get rid of them.
https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2026/07/14/cyclosporiasis-north-carolina-what-it-and-how-stay-safe
Cyclosporiasis (SIGH-kloh- spuh- RYE-uh-sus) is a foodborne illness caused by cyclospora, a microscopic parasite.
