(FOX40.COM) — As case counts of cyclosporiasis continue to rise in other parts of the country, public health officials in California say there are no known local outbreaks in the state.

Since May 1, the CDC has documented 1,645 confirmed cases of the intestinal illness, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, in the U.S. But California has recorded just 41 possible cases of the illness in 2026, just half of the amount (80) recorded in the same six-month period from January through June of last year.

Although the illness is seeing an uptick in activity nationwide, California State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said the state sees a few cases every year — most of which are acquired internationally.

“Cases for 2026 are well within expected ranges for California, and we are not currently one of the states experiencing increased cases or an outbreak,” Pan, who also leads the California Department of Public Health, said in a news release Tuesday. “We are aware of the outbreaks affecting other states, however, and are closely monitoring for any signs of local acquired infection.”

California has recorded a little more than 100 cyclosporiasis cases annually from 2015 to 2025, according to the public health department.

What is cyclosporiasis? And what causes it?

Cyclosporiasis is typically spread through food or water that has been contaminated by human feces, the department explained. It can cause extreme and watery diarrhea.

However, because it takes at least 1-2 weeks outside the body for the Cyclospora to become infectious, person-to-person transmission is unlikely.

The California Department of Public Health is actively monitoring patients for possible domestically-acquired cases of cyclosporiasis.

In addition to the confirmed cases, the CDC is also reporting more than 5,000 possible infections that are still under investigation — and “because cyclosporiasis is often underdiagnosed and underreported, the true number of illnesses is likely higher,” the health agency said.

Where did the outbreak start?

The source is still unknown, but the CDC has documented outbreaks linked to four states: Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

On Tuesday, reports emerged of a possible investigation into Taco Bell in connection with the outbreak, KTLA reported. Michigan public health officials have cited lettuce and other greens as a possible source.

What can you do?

Pan encouraged Californians to protect themselves by practicing safe food-handling and “thoroughly” washing produce.

Other tips from the state public health department include:

Washing hands with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables

Washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or cutting

Removing outer leaves from lettuce and leafy greens

Preventing cross-contamination by using clean cutting boards, utensils and surfaces

Keeping ready-to-eat foods separate from raw produce during preparation

Refrigerating cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible

Avoiding food or water that may be contaminated by human feces

For vulnerable populations, officials advise cooking vegetables whenever possible.

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