July 6, 2026 – DALLAS, Texas — Texas health officials are closely monitoring a multi-state outbreak of a foodborne parasitic illness that has sickened at least 145 people across 17 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The outbreak involves cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Federal investigators say people became ill between May 1 and June 16 after eating food in the United States. More than 20 patients have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported.
Health officials have not yet identified a single food source or determined exactly how the parasite is spreading, making the investigation particularly challenging.
While the CDC has not confirmed whether Texas is among the affected states, the outbreak has prompted increased awareness among public health officials and healthcare providers across the Lone Star State. Texas has experienced sporadic cases of cyclosporiasis in previous years, often linked to contaminated fresh produce imported from outside the state.
Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure and include prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Without treatment, the illness can last for weeks or even months.
The parasite is commonly spread through contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, cilantro, basil, and berries. Unlike many foodborne illnesses, Cyclospora is not usually transmitted directly from person to person because the parasite requires time in the environment before it becomes infectious.
The CDC encourages consumers to practice safe food handling by thoroughly washing fresh produce, although experts note that washing alone may not completely remove the microscopic parasite.
Officials are urging anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea lasting several days to contact a healthcare provider. The illness can be effectively treated with prescription antibiotics once properly diagnosed.
Federal and state investigators continue tracing potential food sources in hopes of identifying the origin of the outbreak and preventing additional illnesses.
The CDC notes that the current case count likely represents only a fraction of the total number of infections, as many people with mild symptoms never seek medical care or undergo laboratory testing.