WNC Health Alert: July 22, 2026: North Carolina has now confirmed 561 cases of cyclosporiasis, a sharp increase from the 307 cases reported just one week earlier, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
The rapid increase comes as state and federal health officials continue investigating what has become one of North Carolina's largest documented Cyclospora outbreaks in recent years. At this time, investigators have not identified the source of the infections, and no single food product, supplier or distributor has been confirmed.
The growing number of cases is also being felt across western North Carolina, where health officials are encouraging residents to remain aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop prolonged diarrhea.
Part of a Larger National Outbreak
North Carolina's outbreak is occurring during a broader nationwide increase in Cyclospora infections. Health officials in multiple states are investigating cases, although North Carolina officials have not confirmed that the state's outbreak is linked to the same source as cases reported elsewhere in the country.
Earlier in the investigation, attention focused on fresh produce distributed through national supply chains. However, federal investigators later reported that an initial laboratory finding involving one supplier was determined to be a false positive. Despite that development, investigations continue, and no definitive nationwide source has been identified.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. The infection is most commonly associated with contaminated fresh produce or water.
Unlike many foodborne illnesses, Cyclospora can be extremely difficult to trace. The parasite is challenging to detect in food samples, and symptoms often do not appear until about one week after exposure, making it difficult for patients to accurately recall what they ate before becoming ill.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Watery diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Nausea
Fatigue
Bloating and gas
Low-grade fever in some cases
Symptoms can last for days or even weeks if left untreated. Anyone experiencing severe or persistent diarrhea should contact a healthcare provider. The illness is generally treatable with prescription antibiotics.
Investigators Continue to Examine Multiple Possibilities
Although lettuce and other leafy greens have received significant attention during the investigation, health officials have not concluded that a single food item is responsible for the outbreak. Investigators continue reviewing a wide range of possible sources, including fresh herbs, mixed salad ingredients, other raw produce, and common processing or distribution points that could link cases across multiple locations. Because Cyclospora infections often appear about a week after exposure, many patients have difficulty remembering everything they ate, making it challenging to identify a single common source.
What Residents Should Know
Because investigators have not identified a specific source, there is currently no recall and no recommendation to avoid a particular brand or product.
Health officials continue to recommend washing fresh produce under running water, washing hands before preparing or eating food, and staying hydrated if symptoms develop. While washing produce is always recommended, officials note that it may not completely eliminate Cyclospora if contamination is present.
Previous Cyclospora outbreaks have often involved pre-packaged salad mixes and other ready-to-eat produce because ingredients from multiple farms may be combined during processing and distributed widely before illnesses are detected. Investigators have not said that North Carolina's outbreak has been traced to bagged salads, and no specific product has been identified. Officials continue to examine multiple possible sources as the investigation progresses.
The investigation remains active. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue working to determine whether North Carolina's cases share a common source and whether they are connected to the broader national outbreak.
A Nationwide Outbreak Continues to Grow
North Carolina's outbreak is part of a much larger increase in Cyclospora infections being investigated across the United States. According to federal health officials, confirmed cases have been reported in more than 30 states, making this one of the largest Cyclospora outbreaks the country has experienced in recent years.
While investigators continue comparing cases nationwide, North Carolina health officials have not confirmed that the state's outbreak is linked to the same source as illnesses reported in other parts of the country. Federal and state investigators are continuing to determine whether the illnesses stem from a single contaminated food source, multiple contaminated products, or separate outbreaks occurring at the same time.