Eighteen cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Massachusetts between May 1 and July 1, adding to a rise in the outbreak that is spreading across most of the midwestern United States. Infections from the diarrhea-causing parasite Cyclospora are surging, with state-level data suggesting that 2026 is already the nation’s worst year for reported cases.Dr. Zoe Weiss is an infectious disease doctor at Tufts Medical Center. While an outbreak of over 3,000 cases has been reported in Michigan and Ohio, Weiss said she doesn’t believe Massachusetts will see the same.According to the state’s Department of Public Health, the 18 cases are in line with the usual number of cases seen in Massachusetts during the spring and summer months. “It’s probable that we won’t have as many cases in Massachusetts as we will in areas like Michigan, where they’re already seeing thousands of cases,” Weiss said. W2lmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vaGVhcnN0dGVsZXZpc2lvbmRhdGFqb3VybmFsaXNtLmh0dmFwcHMuY29tL2N5Y2xvc3BvcmEvdjEvY3ljbG9zcG9yYS5odG1sIiBmcmFtZWJvcmRlcj0iMCIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAwcHgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDAlIiBzY3JvbGxpbmc9InllcyJdWy9pZnJhbWVdAnyone can get sick with Cyclospora by eating fresh, uncooked produce that has been contaminated with the parasite. Raspberries, bagged lettuce, cilantro, scallions, snow peas and fresh basil have been linked to cyclosporiasis cases.The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water. As an investigation into the outbreaks continues, Taco Bell announced it would begin pulling certain ingredients from its menu as a precaution. Doctors said diagnosing Cyclospora can be difficult and said symptoms usually take weeks to show, and it could be tough for patients to remember everything they ate.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

BOSTON —

Eighteen cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Massachusetts between May 1 and July 1, adding to a rise in the outbreak that is spreading across most of the midwestern United States.

Infections from the diarrhea-causing parasite Cyclospora are surging, with state-level data suggesting that 2026 is already the nation’s worst year for reported cases.

Dr. Zoe Weiss is an infectious disease doctor at Tufts Medical Center.

While an outbreak of over 3,000 cases has been reported in Michigan and Ohio, Weiss said she doesn’t believe Massachusetts will see the same.

According to the state’s Department of Public Health, the 18 cases are in line with the usual number of cases seen in Massachusetts during the spring and summer months.

“It’s probable that we won’t have as many cases in Massachusetts as we will in areas like Michigan, where they’re already seeing thousands of cases,” Weiss said.

Anyone can get sick with Cyclospora by eating fresh, uncooked produce that has been contaminated with the parasite. Raspberries, bagged lettuce, cilantro, scallions, snow peas and fresh basil have been linked to cyclosporiasis cases.

The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water.

As an investigation into the outbreaks continues, Taco Bell announced it would begin pulling certain ingredients from its menu as a precaution.

Doctors said diagnosing Cyclospora can be difficult and said symptoms usually take weeks to show, and it could be tough for patients to remember everything they ate.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.