Raleigh -- August 5, 2026: North Carolina health officials have reported 149 newly confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, bringing the state's total to 867 laboratory-confirmed cases since May 1. The outbreak has also resulted in 33 hospitalizations, including nine additional hospitalizations reported in the latest weekly update.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) notes that the 149 newly reported cases were not all illnesses that occurred during the past week. Instead, they represent newly confirmed cases added to the state's cumulative total as laboratories complete testing and health officials continue their investigations. Because of reporting delays, recent case totals may continue to increase.
North Carolina normally records about 150 cases during an entire year. With 867 confirmed cases already reported, this has become the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak ever recorded in North Carolina, far surpassing the state's typical annual numbers.
North Carolina is also part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) ongoing multistate investigation into a nationwide outbreak linked to contaminated fresh produce. Federal investigators continue tracing the source of illnesses across multiple states while North Carolina officials report that parsley, cilantro, and lettuce are among the foods most commonly consumed by patients before becoming ill. At this time, investigators have not identified a single food product responsible for all North Carolina cases.
While no deaths have been reported in North Carolina, officials in Michigan recently reported two deaths involving patients with significant underlying medical conditions whose Cyclospora infections are believed to have contributed to their deaths. Health experts say the illness can become especially dangerous for older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic health conditions if dehydration develops.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure and commonly include:
Watery diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Bloating
Weight loss
Low-grade fever
Without treatment, symptoms can last for several weeks and may come and go before completely resolving.
Health officials continue to recommend several precautions to reduce the risk of illness:
Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating.
Refrigerate fresh produce promptly after purchase.
Keep fresh produce separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook produce when appropriate, as heat effectively destroys the parasite.
Contact a healthcare provider if watery diarrhea lasts more than a few days or becomes severe, especially if signs of dehydration develop.
State officials caution that washing produce helps reduce dirt and bacteria but may not completely remove Cyclospora, making it important for consumers to remain aware of public health updates as the investigation continues.
The NCDHHS updates statewide cyclosporiasis case numbers each week as new laboratory-confirmed cases are reported and investigations continue.