🔥 Trending Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak: What You Need to Know

Recent outbreaks of "explosive" diarrhea across the United States are being caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, leading to an illness known as cyclosporiasis ¹²³⁴. Health officials have reported a surge in cases, with approximately 2,000 people sickened in ongoing outbreaks ¹.

What is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite ⁶. The parasite infects the small intestine and can lead to a range of symptoms, most notably severe and watery diarrhea ⁴⁷. The term "explosive diarrhea" is often used to describe the sudden, frequent, and sometimes forceful bowel movements characteristic of the infection ⁴.

Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis

The primary symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea, which can be frequent and sudden ⁴. Other common symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite ⁷
• Weight loss ⁷
• Stomach cramps or pain ⁷
• Nausea ⁷
• Fatigue ⁷
• Body aches ⁷
• Vomiting (less common) ⁷
• Low-grade fever (less common) ⁷

Symptoms can appear about a week after exposure, but the incubation period can range from 2 to 14 days ⁷. Without treatment, symptoms can last for a month or even longer, and may even return after seemingly improving ¹⁷.

How is Cyclospora Transmitted?

Cyclospora is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water ⁵⁷. The parasite is not spread directly from person to person ⁷. It is often associated with raw produce, especially imported fruits and vegetables ⁵⁷. When people consume food or water contaminated with Cyclospora oocysts (the infectious stage of the parasite), they can become infected ⁷.

Current Outbreak Status

As of July 2026, health officials, including the CDC, are investigating the rise in cyclosporiasis cases ²⁵. Michigan is among the states reporting a significant increase, with at least 1,251 cases confirmed in that state alone ³⁶. Overall, at least two dozen states are reporting rising cases ⁸. The exact source of the current outbreaks is still under investigation, but it is generally linked to foodborne contamination ⁵⁸.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

To reduce the risk of cyclosporiasis, health officials recommend:

• Thoroughly washing produce: Even if pre-washed, additional washing under running water is advisable ⁷.
• Practicing good hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling food ⁷.
• Avoiding contaminated water sources: Do not drink untreated water from lakes, streams, or ponds ⁷.
• Cooking produce: Cooking produce can kill the parasite, but many common sources like berries and leafy greens are often consumed raw ⁷.

If you experience symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis, especially severe or prolonged diarrhea, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment ⁷.