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More than 60 North Carolina cases tied to parasite behind 'explosive diarrhea'
WRAL • • general
Key Points:
- North Carolina has reported 69 cases of cyclosporiasis since early June 2026, with most cases occurring in Wake County; no hospitalizations have been reported in the state so far.
- The U.S. CDC is investigating over 140 cyclosporiasis cases across 17 states, including at least 20 hospitalizations, with illness onset dates between May 1 and July 16, 2026.
- Cyclospora infections typically rise in summer due to contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables, often consumed raw, and identifying outbreak sources is challenging due to delayed symptom onset and difficulty recalling specific food items.
- North Carolina has improved its outbreak investigation process since a 2024 incident linked to shrimp and parsley salad, coordinating efforts among multiple agencies for food history interviews, tracebacks, and genetic testing.
- Health officials recommend thoroughly washing produce, cooking food to 165°F to kill pathogens, avoiding the temperature danger zone (40°F-140°F), and seeking medical care if severe gastrointestinal symptoms develop.
