(WHTM) — For this year so far, Pennsylvania has reported 28 cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness that can cause frequent diarrhea and frequent bowel movements.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday that the majority of the reported cases (14) have come from the state’s southeast region.
Meanwhile, the southwest region is right behind with 11 cases reported. Only two cases were reported from the Northeast Pennsylvania region, and just one case was reported from the Northwest region, the DOH said.
The DOH said last year that there were 87 recorded cases of cyclosporiasis in the state, and for 2024, there were only 40 recorded cases. There’s been an outbreak of cyclosporiasis in at least 30 states, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
Code Red Air Quality alert issued in Pennsylvania amid wildfire smoke
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite and causes diarrhea along with frequent bowel movements. You may get cyclosporiasis by eating fresh produce that is imported from tropical and subtropical regions where cyclosporiasis occurs regularly.
Cyclosporiasis cases do not have to be reported because it is not included on the official list of state reportable diseases, but the DOH said it still collects and reports the data it receives from the CDC on a weekly basis.
The DOH said it will update cyclosporiasis case counts every Tuesday.
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
SIGN UP NOW
The best way to avoid cyclosporiasis is to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure to rinse fruits and vegetables under running water and cut away damaged areas before eating.
Pennsylvanians experiencing symptoms should reach out to their doctor.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.