Cyclospora cases reported in 17 states. What about Arizona?
Cyclospora cases reported in 17 states. What about Arizona?
Rey Covarrubias Jr., Arizona RepublicSun, July 5, 2026 at 2:52 PM UTC
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Federal health officials are reporting cases of a parasite that can cause prolonged diarrhea in 17 states during the peak summer season for cyclosporiasis.
Arizona has not reported any cases in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest update, though nearby Colorado and Texas are among the states with infections.
From May 1 through June 16, the CDC recorded 145 likely domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis. Twenty people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
Federal officials said the cases do not appear tied to one outbreak. The CDC said it is is tracking several clusters of infections and investigating possible sources.
The CDC’s current list also includes Alaska, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite people can pick up by eating or drinking something contaminated, according to the CDC.
In the United States, past outbreaks have often been linked to fresh produce, including basil, raspberries and lettuce, though officials have not identified one food source behind the current cases.
The parasite spreads via food, drinks or surfaces contaminated with infected fecal matter.
People can become ill by consuming contaminated food or water, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their mouth without washing their hands.
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Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure, but can appear as soon as two days or as long as two weeks later, according to the CDC.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of cyclosporiasis is frequent, watery diarrhea.
Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and a low-grade fever, while some people may have no symptoms at all, according to Cleveland Clinic.
The illness can range from mild to severe, with children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may at a greater risk for serious symptoms.
Symptoms often begin within a week after someone ingests the parasite. Without treatment, symptoms can last a month or longer, or improve and later return.
People who have several bouts of watery diarrhea a day should contact a health care provider, Cleveland Clinic says.
Seek urgent medical care for signs of severe dehydration, including confusion, dizziness, dark urine or urinating less than usual.
USA TODAY reporter Mary Walrath-Holdridge contributed to this article.
Rey Covarrubias Jr. is a reporter for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@azcentral.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cyclospora cases rise in 17 states. Is Arizona affected?
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