North Carolina Health Officials Investigate Surge in Cyclosporiasis Cases
North Carolina health officials are investigating a surge in Cyclosporiasis cases across the state, with hundreds of new infections reported in the past week as they work to identify the outbreak's source.
Raleigh Durham, NC, July 21, 2026 —
RALEIGH, NC – Health officials in North Carolina are actively investigating a significant increase in Cyclosporiasis cases throughout the state. Hundreds of new infections have been reported in the past week alone, prompting an urgent effort to pinpoint the source of the growing outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite is spread to people through contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting. Those infected may experience symptoms for a period of several days to several weeks.
State health departments are working to identify common factors among those who have fallen ill, such as shared food consumption or travel history, to trace the origin of the contamination. The exact source of the current surge has not yet been identified. Further details regarding the timeline of the outbreak or specific locations within North Carolina reporting the highest number of cases were not immediately available.
Officials are advising residents to practice good hygiene, including thorough handwashing with soap and water after using the restroom and before preparing or eating food. They also recommend washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, as produce can be a common vehicle for the parasite.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is coordinating with local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor the situation and provide guidance. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available about the identified source and any recommended public health measures.
Story summarized from the original created by Michael Perchick on abc11.com, see more information here.
