Diarrhea-causing stomach parasite has cases across 17 states

Avery Sloan, The Virginian-Pilot on Jul 8, 2026

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Across 17 states, 145 cases of a parasite have been reported between May 1 and June 16, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The actual number of cases is also likely higher than the number of cases reported.

Cyclosporiasis spreads if germs from contaminated feces get into someone’s mouth. This can happen through drinking untreated water or swallowing contaminated swimming water. There also have been links between some fresh produce and the disease.

In the U.S., basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, snow peas and sweet peas all have links to cyclosporiasis outbreaks, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

This can cause watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea according to the clinic. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, bloating, fatigue, low-grade fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

The states reporting cases are: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. (Michigan is also experiencing a separate cluster of close to 1,000 cases outside of this initial CDC tracking period.)

In 2025 there were over 1,000 cases in the U.S. Sick people were between ages 17 and 89 years old, with a median age of 43, and 62% were female. Three people were hospitalized, out of 45 people with information available, and no deaths have been reported.

The infection can range from mild to severe, but people with weakened immune systems, children and older adults are at a greater risk of a severe infection. With correct diagnosis and treatment, people usually feel better after a week or two.

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