As of July 7, 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking at least 145 cases of cyclosporiasis across 17 states, including Texas. The parasitic infection, which causes severe, “explosive” diarrhea, has seen an unusual surge in the Midwest, prompting health officials to investigate potential links to contaminated fresh produce.
Midwest Outbreak Trends and Reporting Discrepancies
The current surge of cyclosporiasis is hitting the Midwest with particular intensity. Data reported by NBC 5 Chicago highlights a rapid escalation in Michigan, where confirmed cases jumped from 170 on June 30 to 681 by July 6. The highest concentration of these infections is located in the southeastern portion of the state, including Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, and Livingston counties.
While the national count provided by the CDC sits at 145 cases across 17 states, the state-level reporting from Michigan indicates a significantly higher localized impact. Health officials emphasize that these numbers may continue to rise as investigations proceed. Despite the high volume of cases in the Midwest, the Illinois Department of Public Health has stated there is “no evidence of a large outbreak accounting for all or most of these cases.”
What is Cyclospora cayetanensis?
According to the KSAT report, the illness is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that typically spreads through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with human fecal matter. While the infection is not known to spread from person to person, it thrives in spring and summer months, often hitching a ride on fresh produce.
For more on this story, see CDC Investigates Outbreak of ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Across 18 States.
Symptoms usually appear between two and 14 days after exposure.
- Frequent, watery, and explosive diarrhea
- Stomach cramps and bloating
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
Although many healthy individuals recover without formal treatment, the infection can persist for a month or longer if left unaddressed. Medical professionals advise those experiencing persistent symptoms to consult their healthcare provider.
The Biology of the Parasite and Clinical Context
Produce Risks and Prevention Strategies
Health authorities have not yet identified a specific grower, supplier, or produce type as the definitive source of this outbreak.
Items with rough surfaces, crevices, or delicate skins—such as raspberries or textured lettuce leaves—can trap microscopic parasites, making them difficult to remove through simple rinsing. While standard food safety practices, such as washing produce under clean, running water, remain the primary line of defense, they are not guaranteed to eliminate the risk entirely if the produce was contaminated during the growth or harvest phase.
To mitigate risk, health departments are advising commercial kitchens and home cooks to prioritize cooking leafy greens when possible, as the heat from cooking is effective at killing the parasite. When consuming raw produce, experts recommend purchasing whole heads of lettuce, discarding the outer layers, and washing inner leaves thoroughly under running water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against the parasite, making soap and water essential for hand hygiene.
This follows our earlier report, New York Tops U.S. Cyclosporiasis Cases in 2026-Michigan Sees Sudden Surge.
Public Health Response and Ongoing Investigations
The CDC and state health departments are continuing to analyze trends to determine if a common source exists. As of July 4, 2026, officials maintain that there is “no single source or cause” identified. In San Antonio, Metro Health has confirmed awareness of the national situation, though no cases have been tied to the area as of this week.
Consumers are urged to remain cautious, particularly with delicate produce that is difficult to sanitize, as investigations into the source of the 2026 spike remain active. If you are experiencing symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional, as they can provide appropriate diagnostic testing and determine if treatment with antibiotics is necessary for your specific case.
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