Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Cyclospora,Cyclospora,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 2, 2026
It seems as if you cannot open your newsfeed without seeing the words “explosive diarrhea parasite.” It isn’t surprising that headlines would use that particular phrase. As it paints a vivid picture and piques the curiosity.
What is this explosive diarrhea parasite? Is it real? Is it as bad as the headlines make it out to be?
The germ responsible for this click-bait is actually call Cyclospora. It is in the news right now because nearly 150 people have been sickened with this pathogen since May and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating this outbreak.
What exactly is Cyclospora and where does it come from? How do you know if you have it and what should you do if you get sick?
But first, let’s talk about the details of this “explosive diarrhea parasite” Cyclospora outbreak.
As of June 18, 2026 at least 145 confirmed cases of Cyclospora have been reported across 17 states. Including Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. At least 20 people have been hospitalized. The youngest patient was five years old. The oldest was 86. No deaths have been reported.
Many cases of Cyclospora infections are mild enough for the individual to recover on their own. As is the case in many foodborne illness outbreaks. So that means there are likely many other undocumented cases.
Those who do not seek medical care or report their illness are never tested for Cyclospora infection and are therefore not included in outbreak statistics.
Reports of these illnesses began coming in from May 1, 2026 through June 16, 2026.
“Several clusters of cases in more than one state” could mean this uptick is caused by more than one source. More information is needed to traceback that theory.
Cyclospora is a microscopic organism that can make people sick. Unlike most other foodborne pathogens, this one is not a bacteria or virus. Cyclospora is a parasite.
But, like other parasites, Cyclospora requires a host to survive.
This parasite uses the human body to incubate and reproduce, creating an environment suitable to transmit its progeny to the next step in its life cycle.
Humans are the only known host for Cyclospora parasites. No other animal appears susceptible to this infection.
Fortunately, however, infections between humans are not contagious. This is due to the distinct conditions needed in the parasite’s life cycle.
The host phase, is where Cyclospora parasites protected by their spore coat, enter the human host. Once inside, they rely on that protective spore until they make their way into the small intestine. From here, they invade the cells in the intestinal walls. During this time, they get cozy, shed their protective spore covering and reproduce. They begin to release in the host’s feces (poop), resulting in watery diarrhea. Through this watery diarrhea, these germs (now oocysts) move on to the environmental phase of the life cycle.
The environmental phase takes place outside of the host’s body. It requires very specific environmental conditions. In order to promote sporulation, these parasites need around seven to 15 days of 73 to 77 °F temperatures. Once the protective spores form around the parasite, they can be infectious again.
It doesn’t take much of the sporulated Cyclospora parasites to contaminate fresh produce or water and become ingested by a human host for the cycle to start again.
No source has been implicated in this explosive diarrhea parasite Cyclospora outbreak so far. However, a look back at past outbreaks could shed some light on foods to pay attention to.
The CDC has reported Cyclospora outbreaks linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and mesclun lettuce.
Considering these potential food vehicles, it is a good idea to take extra time washing berries, leafy greens, and vegetables before eating them. Consider consuming cooked options to reduce your risk of infection.
While “explosive diarrhea parasite” gives a good indication of the primary symptom associated with the illness, other symptoms also point to this germ.
However, the only way to know for sure if your illness is caused by Cyclospora parasites is through specialized laboratory testing. Aside from that, there are a few commonly associated symptoms to look for in a Cyclospora illness.
The most commonly associated symptom with Cyclospora illness is watery diarrhea, with “frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.” The other is fatigue. Most people with Cyclospora infections report feeling very tired. Or more tired than usual.
Other symptoms may include:
Some people who are infected with Cyclospora parasites do not experience any symptoms at all. For those that do, on the other hand, symptoms may appear to resolve. Only to return again and again.
These relapses are quite common with Cyclospora infections. Likely due to the nature of this parasite’s life cycle.
Without proper treatment, these relapses can continue for a long time.
If you have become sick with symptoms consistent with a Cyclospora infection, be sure to stay hydrated. Reach out to your healthcare provider to receive proper treatment. Untreated illness can persist for a long time. With specific medications, symptoms may resolve much faster.
Additionally, your data could help identify the source and prevent further illnesses.
The more epidemiological data investigators have, the faster a source can be identified. Get tested today to help your local foodborne illness investigators.
Either reach out to your healthcare provider or local health department to report your illness.
You will be asked about the foods you have eaten and where you got them during the weeks prior to becoming sick. You will want to make that list as early as possible, while details are still fresh in your mind.
If you have been significantly impacted by a Cyclospora infection, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Cyclospora Lawyer that can help!
You want experienced representation, skilled at handling cases just like yours. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully recovered millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases, and they can help you too.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for your free, no obligation consultation. Get answers today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)