Parasitic illness cases with ‘explosive’ diarrhea rise in Kansas. Latest update

Since last week’s report of at least 22 cases of cyclosporiasis in Kansas, another 33 cases have been confirmed by state health officials.

People can become sick with cyclosporiasis by consuming food or water that has the parasite cyclospora, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The main symptom? “Loud, watery (explosive) diarrhea,” according to Cleveland Clinic.

Across the U.S., health officials have confirmed 1,645 cases of cyclosporiasis between May 1 and July 13. The cases are part of a major outbreak that has been reported in 34 states.

How many cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas?

As of July 15, Kansas has confirmed 55 cases of cyclosporiasis in 2026.

Of those cases, 25 were reported in July, 25 in June and 4 in May. One additional case was reported in April, before the official start of the current outbreak.

The cases have been confirmed in the following counties: Barton, Butler, Cherokee, Crawford, Douglas, Ellis, Johnson, Leavenworth, Lyon, Marshall, Osage, Reno, Sedgwick, Shawnee and Wyandotte.

Most cases, 27 of them, are in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Of those with confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, all but one person are within ages 20 to 84. One person is 4 or younger.

What food is causing cyclosporiasis?

As part of the multistate outbreak, health officials with the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration and state health departments are investigating the cases and interviewing people about what foods they ate before getting sick.

“A specific food item has not yet been confirmed as the source,” the CDC said in a July 14 update.

An early investigation in Michigan, the state with the highest number of confirmed cases, has found lettuce or salad greens may be the possible source.

“Other food items cannot be completely ruled out,” the state said July 13. “No specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source.”

It can be challenging to find the source of cyclospora because there’s a delay from when people consume the parasite to when they notice symptoms, The Washington Post reported.

Most people become sick in about a week, but symptoms can show up anywhere from two days to two weeks after becoming infected, according to the CDC.

“Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely,” the CDC said.

What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?

The most common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue.

The less common symptoms include vomiting, headache, a low fever and other flu-like symptoms.

If you notice these symptoms, health officials say you should see your doctor. Most people with healthy immune systems will not need treatment to recover, but if not treated, your symptoms may last a month or longer.

Because not everyone will seek treatment, the CDC says the actual number of cases is likely much higher than has been reported.

How can I prevent cyclosporiasis?

“No one fully knows how cyclospora gets into food and water,” according to the CDC, but the best way to prevent cyclosporiasis is to avoid any food or water contaminated with feces.

To do this, safe food handling is critical. Here are some tips from health officials:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before handling raw fruits and vegetables.
• Wash all produce thoroughly under running water before cutting, cooking or eating.
• Produce labeled “prewashed” does not need washed at home.
• Scrub “firm fruits and vegetables,” including melons, with a produce brush.
• Cut away bruised and damaged areas on your produce before preparing or eating.
• Refrigerate your fruits and vegetables within two hours, but as soon as possible.