Having a case of explosive diarrhea is truly miserable enough. However, when it's apparently caused by a parasite whose origin remains unknown, that is a baffling and dangerous mystery. Per the New York Post, it "has sickened over 140 people across multiple states — with the highest number of cases in New York." That state reportedly has between 31 and 80 cases.
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The Parasite Is Called Cyclospora
According to the CDC, the parasite is called Cyclospora. The illness it causes is cyclosporiasis. The agency says that as of June 16, 2026, cases have been reported in 17 states, with the most in New York, followed by Illinois and Texas. There are 145 cases, 20 hospitalizations, and zero deaths. Although the reason for this outbreak is still not clear, the CDC reports that "These people [who are ill] became sick after eating food in the United States and did not report any travel during the 14 days before they got sick."
Some of the cases may not have been diagnosed as cyclosporiasis and thereby went unreported. Thus the actual number might be even higher. More states than presently known could possibly be affected.
Besides diarrhea, some of the symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Dehydration can result as well. The treatment can be an antibiotic, per the outlet. It is "typically trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known under the brand names Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim." Consuming lots of fluids if possible is also usually recommended.
Imported Produce Can Be a Typical Culprit
Imported produce can sometimes cause this illness, per the Post. Some vegetables connected with earlier outbreaks include "cilantro, raspberries, sweet peas, mesclun lettuce, and basil, which was connected to a 2019 outbreak of the herb imported from Mexico."
The investigation of the current outbreak is continuing.
Preventing Getting Infected With This Illness
According to the New York State Department of Health, there are a few ways to potentially prevent getting sick with cyclosporiasis. They include thoroughly washing all fresh produce, not consuming any food or water that could be contaminated by excrement, and limiting yourself to only ingesting water that is known to be pure.
