Cases of ‘explosive’ diarrhea illness top 1K. See states with the most

Cases of food poisoning caused by a parasite that causes explosive diarrhea continue to spread in the United States, topping 700 in Michigan in the week after July 4th.

cyclosporiasis, A stomach-churning illness caused by a parasite often found in produce has sickened hundreds of people in more than 18 U.S. states since May 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health data. Michigan a group is fighting an infection The total number of cases has already more than tripled compared to 2025, while many others have reported numbers exceeding 100.

Additional reports at the state level show a larger increase in cases that is not yet reflected in the CDC surveillance dashboard, which is updated monthly. The latest data, published on June 16, has yet to capture the rapidly evolving spread.

There is currently no evidence of a single, multistate outbreak connecting all cases. Local and federal officials are still trying to identify the potential source of illness for clusters like those in Michigan; but so far many cases appear to be part of a seasonal surge. The CDC expects annual increases in cyclosporiasis to continue from May 1 through August 31.

Here’s what you need to know as the first 1000 cases.

Michigan ranks first with more than 700 cases

Between June 22 and Monday, July 6, more than 700 cases of cyclosporiasis were recorded in Michigan, 36 of which resulted in hospitalization.

“No specific grower, supplier or type of produce has been identified as the source at this time,” Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin told USA TODAY in a July 7 statement. “Anyone experiencing gastrointestinal illness, such as sudden and persistent diarrhea, should contact their healthcare provider and local health department.”

New York ranks second

New York City has recorded a total of 301 cases this year as of July 7, with 273 of those occurring since May 1, the health department told USA TODAY July 7. New York City’s count includes those who recently traveled internationally as well as those who may have acquired domestically.

New York State, which reports and tracks infectious diseases separately from NYC, has had 120 confirmed cases since May 1, 2026. The state has seen a relatively high number of cases in previous years, exceeding 500-700 statewide in 2024 and 2025.

“Although Cyclosporiasis is unlikely to spread directly from one person to another and is not usually life-threatening, since many people with healthy immune systems recover without treatment, the Department encourages all New Yorkers to be aware of best practices to prevent Cyclospora and other infections common during the summer months,” spokeswoman Marissa Crary told USA TODAY in a July 7 email.

Ohio sees an increase

The Ohio Department of Health has reported 177 cases in 43 counties so far in 2026. ODH spokesman Ken Gordon said 171 of those occurred in June, mostly since June 20. He told the Columbus Dispatch: Part of the USA TODAY Network, on July 2.

Updated data is not yet available and will be released every Thursday, Gordon told USA TODAY in an email on Tuesday, July 7.

North Carolina reports nearly 150 cases

At least 145 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in North Carolina between May 1 and July 7, NCDHHD told USA TODAY in an email. It was not clear whether all of them were purchased domestically.

Illinois ranked in the top five

The public health department said 141 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Illinois as of July 7, of which 59 were locally acquired and 20 remain to be investigated.

“IDPH is seeing a higher than average number of reported cases of cyclosporiasis, consistent with what is seen in some other states,” spokesman Matthew Mata told USA TODAY. “At this point, no single source or cause of this increase has been identified, and there is no evidence that a large outbreak is responsible for all or most of these cases. IDPH continues to work with the CDC and other public health partners to investigate trends.”

List of states with confirmed cases

According to the CDC and local reports, cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in the following states as of Tuesday, July 7.

Watch out for foods that caused epidemics in the past

State health departments have issued guidance to prevent the spread of cyclosporiasis, which often occurs during the summer months due to contaminated, unwashed produce.

• Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces. Avoid drinking or cooking with unpurified water.

• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before, during and after preparing food.

• Wash all food preparation surfaces, including utensils, cutting boards, and counters, before and after use.

• Wash and peel vegetables before eating; Thoroughly scrub skinned produce such as melons and cucumbers; Cut off any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating them.

• Store prepared fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator as soon as possible (within two hours).

• Cook your food when you can; Heating food to 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) or higher kills Cyclospora.

Although the current clusters of cases have not yet been linked to a single outbreak or a common food item, health officials have recommended extra caution around foods that have been behind past outbreaks. The following foods should be washed and rubbed thoroughly with a brush or sponge.

• Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce mixes with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)

• Fresh coriander (coriander leaves)

• Green onion (onion)

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: ‘Explosive’ diarrhea cases in top 1K. See most states