Explosive Diarrhea Illness Reported Across Us See Map Of Affected: ‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Parasite Has Sickened Hundreds Across 18 States Heading Into the Fourth of July Weekend
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A parasitic illness known for causing severe, watery diarrhea is spreading across the country this summer, with hundreds of Americans falling sick in at least 18 states since May 1, just as millions head into Independence Day holiday gatherings.
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The culprit is cyclosporiasis, an infection caused by *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, a microscopic parasite typically found on contaminated fresh produce. The CDC has confirmed at least 145 cases across 17 states, with 20 people hospitalized after experiencing severe symptoms. State-level data pushes the confirmed state count to 18.
Where cases are hitting hardest
New York, Illinois, and Texas have reported the highest concentrations of cases so far this season. Michigan has drawn particular attention from health officials after its case count more than tripled compared with the same period in 2024, suggesting a possible cluster rather than purely routine seasonal spread.
The full list of affected states includes Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
What the illness actually feels like
Cyclosporiasis is not your average stomach bug. The defining symptom is frequent, explosive, watery diarrhea that can be debilitating. Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating, fatigue, and a low-grade fever often accompany it. Symptoms typically begin about a week after a person ingests contaminated food or water, which makes pinpointing the source frustratingly difficult.
The parasite spreads when food or water is contaminated with fecal matter. Fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those consumed raw, are the most common vehicles. Past U.S. outbreaks have been linked to fresh herbs, raspberries, and salad mix.
No single outbreak identified yet
The CDC, FDA, and state health departments are actively working to find a common food source linking these cases, but so far no single outbreak or product has been confirmed. What officials are seeing appears to be a broader seasonal surge. The CDC considers May 1 through August 31 the peak window for cyclosporiasis in the United States, and case counts reliably climb during these months each year.
That said, Michigan’s unusual spike means investigators are not ruling out a localized source.
How to protect yourself this holiday weekend
If you are hosting or attending a cookout this Fourth of July, a few practical steps can reduce your risk considerably.
- – Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under running water before eating or serving it, even if it is pre-bagged or labeled “ready to eat.”
- – Avoid consuming fresh herbs, berries, or leafy greens that have not been washed.
- – Be cautious with fruit and vegetable platters that have been sitting out, particularly in warm outdoor conditions.
- – If you develop persistent, watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days, see a doctor. Cyclosporiasis is treatable with a combination antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, but it requires a prescription and a confirmed diagnosis.
The illness is not spread person to person, so close contact with someone who is sick does not put you at direct risk. The danger lies in what ends up on your plate.
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