North Carolina News -- August 27, 2026: State health officials continue investigating the source of North Carolina's increase in cases, which they say does not appear to be associated with a separate outbreak in other states.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 11 additional cases of cyclosporiasis, bringing the state's 2026 total to 940 cases.
The latest increase follows the state's previous update, when 929 cases had been reported. Hospitalizations remain at 32, with no additional hospitalizations reported in the latest update.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
The continued increase in North Carolina remains under investigation.
NCDHHS says it is working with state and local partners to identify potential sources for the increase in cases. The department also says the increase in North Carolina does not appear to be associated with a separate outbreak being investigated in other states.
A source for North Carolina's increase has not been identified.
State health officials have found one possible clue, although they have not established it as the cause. NCDHHS says people with recent cases in North Carolina reported eating parsley and cilantro more often than expected based on population-wide surveys.
That finding does not mean parsley or cilantro has been identified as the source of the illnesses. The investigation remains ongoing.
Historically, North Carolina has identified approximately 150 cases of cyclosporiasis per year over the past decade. Cases have exceeded that historical average each year since 2022.
For comparison, North Carolina reported 306 cases in 2025, 332 cases in 2024 and 151 cases in 2023. With 940 cases reported so far in 2026, this year's total is already more than three times the number reported during all of 2025.
NCDHHS cautions that the most recent weeks of data may not fully reflect the current situation. There can be delays between when a person becomes sick, when they seek medical care and when a positive test is reported to public health officials.
Cases included on the North Carolina dashboard are illnesses reported in North Carolina residents. The state's numbers can include residents who became infected while traveling.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting, body aches, headache, fever or other flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms typically begin about a week after infection, although some people who are infected may have no symptoms.
Previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been associated with contaminated fresh produce, including lettuce, fruit and fresh herbs.
NCDHHS continues to update its cyclosporiasis case information as additional illnesses are reported and investigated.