A parasitic illness that causes explosive, relentless diarrhea has reached an unprecedented scale across the United States this summer. As of July 8, 2026, at least 718 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Michigan since June 22 — a number roughly 14 times higher than the state normally records in an entire year. Ohio has confirmed at least 177 cases since late June. New York has recorded 120 cases since May 1, North Carolina reported at least 110 cases since May, Illinois has seen 141 cases, and Indiana has reported 72 cases. No common food source has been identified. No recall has been issued.
Health departments in multiple states are urging residents who have experienced prolonged or relapsing diarrhea since late May to contact their physician and specifically request a Cyclospora PCR or modified acid-fast stain stool test. The parasite does not appear on standard stool panels and is frequently missed without a targeted order.
