WNC Health News -- August 19, 2026: North Carolina health officials are reporting an increase in cyclosporiasis infections across the state, bringing the cumulative total to 929 laboratory-confirmed cases and 32 hospitalizations since May.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed an addition of 23 new cases and one new hospitalization in its latest statewide surveillance update.
Wake County remains the primary epicenter of the outbreak, reporting the highest number of infections statewide with 515 confirmed cases.
In Western North Carolina, local health departments and state records indicate cases distributed across several mountain counties, with figures current through the state's August 4 county-level release:
Henderson County: 44 cases
Buncombe County: 5 cases
McDowell County: 4 cases
Rutherford County: 3 cases
Haywood County: 2 cases
Macon County: 1 case
Polk County: 1 case
Source Investigation and Safety Guidance
State epidemiologists and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services continue investigating potential sources of the outbreak. While no specific commercial brand, grower, or distributor has been singled out, patient interviews indicate a higher-than-expected consumption of fresh, uncooked herbs—specifically cilantro and parsley—prior to the onset of symptoms.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with fecal matter. It cannot be spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms usually begin about seven days after ingesting the parasite and can include:
Frequent, watery diarrhea
Severe abdominal cramping and bloating
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Nausea and persistent fatigue
Low-grade fever
Health officials emphasize that standard over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications will not eliminate the infection. Cyclosporiasis requires a specific course of prescription antibiotics. Anyone experiencing severe or prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms should contact a primary care physician.
Washing produce thoroughly under running water can help reduce surface contamination, though cooking food to an internal temperature of 165°F is required to completely kill the parasite.
For continuous community updates and regional coverage across Western North Carolina, visit wnctimes, with additional public health details accessible via the NCDHHS Cyclosporiasis Dashboard.