🔥 Trending Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak Spreads Across US: What You Need to Know

An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is currently causing "explosive" diarrhea across multiple states in the United States ¹²⁷. As of early July 2026, federal and state health officials are investigating the source of this outbreak ².

What is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. Humans become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces containing the parasite ¹⁰. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that outbreaks are frequently detected during the spring and summer months, with May 1 through August 31 considered the peak season for the illness ³⁵.

Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis

Symptoms typically begin about a week after ingesting the parasite ⁵. The most common and notable symptom is watery diarrhea, which is often described as frequent and sometimes "explosive" ³⁵. Other symptoms include:

• Stomach cramps ⁵
• Bloating ⁵
• Nausea ⁵
• Fatigue ⁵⁶
• Low-grade fever ⁵

While symptoms can be severe, the illness is generally not life-threatening for most people. However, it can be particularly dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Current Outbreak Statistics (July 2026)

As of early July 2026, the CDC has reported 145 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 17 to 20 U.S. states ²⁶⁷. One source indicates at least 170 people have been sickened in Michigan, and 20 people have been hospitalized across the U.S. due to the outbreak ¹⁰.

Affected States

The outbreak has impacted a significant number of states. While exact numbers can fluctuate and investigations are ongoing, the following states have reported cases:

• New York: Has the highest number of cases ⁸.
• Michigan: At least 170 people sickened ¹⁰.
• Other affected states include, but are not limited to, those mentioned in various reports ^12345679:
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

The CDC is actively tracking the outbreak and has released maps showing the most affected areas ⁷. The investigation is ongoing to pinpoint the exact source of the contaminated food or water causing this widespread illness ².