Cyclosporiasis (also known as Cyclospora or the explosive diarrhea parasite)

Cyclosporiasis- also known as Cyclospora or the explosive diarrhea parasite



Page contents:

  1. What is Cyclosporiasis?

  2. What are the symptoms?

  3. How to prevent Cyclosporiasis

  4. Current situation in the United States

  5. Current situation in Lincoln County, MO

  6. I think I might have Cyclosporiasis, what do I do?

  7. I want to learn more

 

What is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is a stomach illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. It spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces (poop).



What are the symptoms?

Symptoms usually start about 1 week after you get infected. Some symptoms, such as diarrhea, may go away and then come back. The most common symptoms are:

  • Watery diarrhea

  • Not feeling hungry

  • Weight loss

  • Bloating

  • Nausea

  • Feeling tired



How to prevent Cyclosporiasis:

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received recalled iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods should throw it away immediately and not eat it. Click here to learn more about the recall.

The investigation into this outbreak is ongoing. Previous outbreaks were linked to:

  • Bagged salads

  • Leafy greens

  • Fresh basil

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Raspberries

  • Green onions

There are things you can do to lower your chances of getting sick:

  • Consider avoiding bagged salads

  • Know that washing produce helps, but it may not fully remove the parasite

  • Until a source is confirmed, pick produce you can peel, wash thoroughly, or cook

Before you avoid fruits and vegetables completely, try produce that can be peeled or cooked or is canned/frozen like oranges, bananas, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, canned fruit. And avoid bagged salad, berries, and herbs like cilantro

Before you avoid fruits and vegetables completely, try produce that can be peeled or cooked or is canned/frozen like oranges, bananas, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, canned fruit. And avoid bagged salad, berries, and herbs like cilantro

Current situation in the United States:

As of July 20th, Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled several iceberg lettuce products due to possible cyclospora contamination. This includes Marketside-brand product available at Walmart. Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who purchased or received recalled iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods should throw it away immediately and not eat it. Click here to learn more about the recall.

As of July 14th, there have been 1,645 confirmed cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and another 5,100 cases that need more investigation to confirm.

The U.S. typically sees around 3,000-4,000 cyclosporiasis cases in an entire year. This outbreak has already matched a normal year’s total, and it’s still climbing. The number of cases is likely higher, because many people recover at home and don’t get medical care.



Current situation in Lincoln County, MO:

As of July 29th 2026, there have been 35 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases reported to the Lincoln County Health Department.



I think I might have Cyclosporiasis, what do I do?

If you get sick, talk to a doctor. Some symptoms, such as diarrhea, may go away and then come back. Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics.



I want to learn more

You can find more information on the CDC website here or at the sources listed below

 

Sources:

Page last updated: 7/29/2026

Sarah Valenza