There have been 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis acquired in the United States since May 1, and more than 5,100 additional cases are being investigated, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday — a sharp increase in cases compared with recent years. But what is this? Here is info from The Pour Over:
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is short for Cyclospora cayetanensis, and it’s a teeny (as in only-visible-under-a-microscope small) parasite that lives in human feces (yep, people poop).
When those feces contaminate food (think: fresh produce like lettuce and berries) or water (think: pools, hot tubs, lakes) and people consume it, the Cyclospora sets up shop in their small intestine, causing an illness called cyclosporiasis. Usually, it happens when crops are irrigated with water contaminated by human sewage (or lil’ Johnny goes #2 in his swim trunks)… and that’s where the explosive diarrhea comes in.
What’re the symptoms of cyclosporiasis… besides the diarrhea?
Some people don’t have symptoms.
Others aren’t so lucky. Common symptoms include (in addition to big-time diarrhea): loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms. They don’t usually show up until about a week after being infected and, left untreated, can last for a few days up to a month with a high likelihood of going away and coming back.
If you do think you have symptoms, you should visit your doctor. Cyclosporiasis is typically treated with an antibiotic and lotsa fluids.
How worried should I be?
This current outbreak is pretty widespread, spanning multiple states. Though, if you’re a resident of The Great Lakes State, your risk shoots up, as Michigan seems to be the epicenter.
Still, as uncomfortable and prolonged as the illness is, it’s rarely life-threatening.
How do I avoid it?
The CDC recommends following proper hand and food hygiene (wash up), refrigerating fruits and veggies as soon as possible, and removing bruised areas on produce before eating.
But cyclospora is a resilient bugger, and washing alone doesn’t guarantee removal. State health officials also recommend buying whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-mixed salad bags and cooking veggies whenever possible.
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
When headlines are about health concerns, it can be easy to feel panicked, but not even our health is outside the Lord’s control. Even if we do everything right, we are still dependent on the Lord to keep us healthy and heal us. We can rest knowing He is in control and our eternity is secure.
“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?” Matthew 6:25-27 (CSB)
It's not a laughing matter and this is probably not in the best taste, but I thought this article in The Babylon Bee was hilarious...
Jul 20, 2026 · BabylonBee.com
Disaster: 'VeggieTales' Cast Decimated By Cyclospora Outbreak
THE COUNTERTOP — The devastating Cyclospora parasite outbreak that lives on fresh produce tragically struck several beloved members of the VeggieTales cast this week.
Archibald Asparagus first began showing signs of illness over the weekend, with the remaining cast appearing to have been infected by Sunday evening. Monday morning, Larry the Cucumber had been admitted to the ICU and was reportedly in critical condition.
"It doesn't look good, boys and girls," whispered a visibly weakened Bob the Tomato. "This is how it ends. Let's see if Qwerty can bring us one last verse before Larry and I shed this mortal coil. Maybe some Ecclesiastes. Remember, to dust you shall return, boys and girls!"
According to nearby veggies and fruits, not since Dave fought the Giant Pickle has such dread and turmoil gripped the kitchen countertop. "We faced down the boogeyman, but Cyclospora may be too much," sighed Pa Grape, sitting beside Mr. Lunt's hospital bed. "I think it may have come from that new gal, Rhea the Lettuce head, but who knows. All we can do now is pray."
At publishing time, panic had arisen among the cast after the announcement that the only way to remove Cyclospora from veggies was to cook them to at least 158 degrees.
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