Two deaths have been linked to a cyclospora outbreak that has plagued much of the United States, including in North Carolina.
Michigan, which first reported a large outbreak of cyclospora starting in May, has now reported two deaths linked to the spread of a parasitic infection known for causing explosive diarrhea. The state has reported the most infections in the United States, with more than 11,000 diagnosed cases, according to reports from USA TODAY.
While North Carolina does not have as many cases, it has been one of the top states in the nation for case numbers.
As of July 21, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed more than 700 cases in the Tar Heel State. A significant jump from the typical 150 cases recorded
every year. The increase in cases has pushedN.C. DHHS to create a specific dashboard to document cases and the number hospitalized.
How many cases of cyclosporiasis has North Carolina had in 2026?
North Carolina has 718 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis reported for 2026 so far, with 157 new cases since July 21.
The state has seen 24 hospitalizations due to the illness since May.
What caused the U.S. cyclospora outbreak? In North Carolina?
There has been back-and-forth on the epicenter of the U.S. cyclospora outbreak; a recall issued by the United States Department of Agriculture initially linked it to products distributed by Taylor Farms, including iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell in multiple states.
In Michigan, the outbreak has been linked to recalled iceberg lettuce grown by Taylor Farms in Mexico. It has been identified as the largest outbreak nationwide, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The lettuce has also been linked to outbreaks in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, according to the CDC.
Taylor Farms initiated a recall of productson July 17.
In North Carolina, the outbreak has yet to be identified and the increase in cases is not linked to the iceberg lettuce, according to reports from N.C. DHHS. In a July 17 release, the department stated that certain foods, including parsley, cilantro and lettuce, have been noted to be most linked to cases in the state.
"While this type of information can suggest which types of produce are more likely to be contaminated, it does not prove with certainty that any of these were the source of infection," the release stated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are still working to find causes of other cases in the United States.
What is cyclospora? Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is also known as cyclospora.
People can contract the infection by consuming food or water that contains the parasite.
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
According to the CDC, symptoms may include
- watery diarrhea that can be explosive
- abdominal cramps
- bloating
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- nausea
- low-grade fever
- vomiting has also been reported as a symptom, but is less common
Iris Seaton contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Cases of cyclospora rise in NC as 2 related deaths reported in Michigan
