THAT SHE HAS ALREADY WAITED LONG ENOUGH. ALL RIGHT. WELL, RIGHT NOW, SOME STATES SAY THAT THEY ARE SEEING A RISE IN THE STOMACH BUG, AND IT CAN LAST OR LINGER FOR WEEKS. THAT’S OHIO, MICHIGAN AND NEW YORK ARE REPORTING UNUSUAL SPIKES IN CYCLOSPORA. THESE ARE INFECTIONS. AND THE ILLNESS IS CAUSED BY A PARASITE THAT SPREADS THROUGH CONTAMINATED FOOD OR WATER. IT OFTEN IS LINKED TO POOLS AND LAKES OR RAW PRODUCE, INCLUDING BERRIES, HERBS AND SALAD MIXES. SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE WHAT EXPERTS CALL DEBILITATING DIARRHEA, CRAMPS, AND BLOATING. EXPERTS RECOMMEND WASHING PRODUCE UNDER RUNNING WATER, WASHING HANDS BEFORE FOOD PREP, AND SEEING A DOCTOR. IF DIARRHEA LASTS MORE THAN A FEW DAYS. AS OF JULY 2ND, THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS REPORTING 177 CASES. OF THOSE, 171 ARE IN JUNE, MOSTLY SINCE JUNE 20TH, 28 OHIOANS HAVE BEE
‘Serious illness’: Ohio warns of cyclosporiasis outbreak causing explosive diarrhea
Updated: 4:45 PM EDT Jul 8, 2026
Ohio health officials are urging residents to take extra precautions when handling fruits and vegetables to help prevent a disease that can lead to watery, and sometimes explosive, diarrhea.As of July 2, the Ohio Department of Health has reported 177 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state this year. Of those, 171 cases occurred in June, with most happening since June 20.“Fortunately, there have been no deaths in Ohio, as is consistent with our past experiences with this illness,” ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said in a press release. “Nevertheless, this is a serious illness that can cause dehydration and require people to seek emergency medical care, and it should be taken seriously.”28 Ohioans have been hospitalized as a result of the disease.Cyclosporiasis is typically not life-threatening. The illness is caused by a microscopic parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. The disease is generally transmitted by eating contaminated produce.ODH and local health departments say they are working with neighboring state and federal partners to investigate the outbreak. This includes conducting interviews and traceback investigations to help identify any potential common exposures.Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of cyclosporiasis, while bloating or cramping or loss of appetite can also occur.If you experience these symptoms, health officials say to contact your healthcare provider. The disease can be treated with antibiotics, along with rest and fluids.To prevent cyclosporiasis, health officials say the following steps should be taken:Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruit and vegetablesWash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. Firm produce, such as melons, should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush.Eating or refrigerating cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.ODH says the county with the highest number of cases is Lucas County, where Toledo is. Wood County, which neighbors Lucas, has 20 reported cases.Seven total cases have been reported in Greater Cincinnati by health officials: Five in Hamilton County and one each in Clermont and Warren counties.
COLUMBUS, Ohio —
Ohio health officials are urging residents to take extra precautions when handling fruits and vegetables to help prevent a disease that can lead to watery, and sometimes explosive, diarrhea.
As of July 2, the Ohio Department of Health has reported 177 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state this year. Of those, 171 cases occurred in June, with most happening since June 20.
“Fortunately, there have been no deaths in Ohio, as is consistent with our past experiences with this illness,” ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said in a press release. “Nevertheless, this is a serious illness that can cause dehydration and require people to seek emergency medical care, and it should be taken seriously.”
28 Ohioans have been hospitalized as a result of the disease.
Cyclosporiasis is typically not life-threatening. The illness is caused by a microscopic parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. The disease is generally transmitted by eating contaminated produce.
ODH and local health departments say they are working with neighboring state and federal partners to investigate the outbreak. This includes conducting interviews and traceback investigations to help identify any potential common exposures.
Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom of cyclosporiasis, while bloating or cramping or loss of appetite can also occur.
If you experience these symptoms, health officials say to contact your healthcare provider.
The disease can be treated with antibiotics, along with rest and fluids.
To prevent cyclosporiasis, health officials say the following steps should be taken:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruit and vegetables
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. Firm produce, such as melons, should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush.
- Eating or refrigerating cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.
ODH says the county with the highest number of cases is Lucas County, where Toledo is. Wood County, which neighbors Lucas, has 20 reported cases.
Seven total cases have been reported in Greater Cincinnati by health officials: Five in Hamilton County and one each in Clermont and Warren counties.