Jackson County Public Health (JCPH) is investigating an increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. While the investigation is ongoing, sharing information now can help you recognize symptoms, seek appropriate care and take simple steps to reduce risk.
JCPH has received 21 reports of cyclosporiasis in 2026, including 16 reported within the past week (July 10 – July 17). We typically receive only three to seven reports during an entire year.
The local increase comes as public health officials investigate elevated cyclospora activity in several states. A large outbreak in Michigan has received significant national attention, but investigators have not yet identified a common source for the Jackson County cases, and it is too early to determine whether local illnesses are connected to any ongoing national investigations.
Quick Facts
What causes cyclosporiasis? A microscopic parasite that can spread through contaminated food or water.
Most common symptom: Persistent watery diarrhea.
How it spreads: Most often through contaminated fresh produce.
Symptoms usually begin: About one week after exposure.
When to seek care: If diarrhea is persistent or keeps coming back.
Understanding Cyclospora
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. People generally become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, most often fresh produce. Unlike many illnesses that cause diarrhea, cyclosporiasis is unlikely to spread directly from one person to another because the parasite must mature in the environment before it becomes infectious.
Cases are most commonly reported during the spring and summer months, when fresh produce is more widely available.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, although they can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later. The most common symptom is frequent watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Without treatment, symptoms can continue for several weeks and may improve before returning. Young children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for dehydration or prolonged illness.
How to Reduce Your Risk
While no method completely eliminates the risk of cyclospora, these steps can help reduce your chances of becoming ill:
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or preparing them.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food.
- Clean cutting boards, utensils and food preparation surfaces after handling fresh produce.
- Refrigerate cut or peeled produce promptly.
- Stay informed about food recalls and public health advisories.
Washing produce can reduce contamination but may not completely remove cyclospora.
What to Do If You Become Sick
If you develop persistent or recurring watery diarrhea, especially after eating fresh produce or salad products, contact your health care provider.
Tell your provider about foods you recently ate, restaurants you visited and any recent travel or events. Cyclospora requires specific laboratory testing and may not be detected through routine stool testing, so providers should request cyclospora testing when it is suspected. Urgent cares and emergency departments can also order testing.
Treatment is typically a course of antibiotics along with rest and fluids; healthy individuals with mild symptoms may recover without treatment, but those with weakened immune systems should be treated promptly.
What Jackson County Public Health Is Doing
JCPH is interviewing affected residents, reviewing potential common exposures, monitoring disease trends and coordinating with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local health care providers and regional public health partners.
Although the recent increase in cases warrants close attention, there is currently no evidence of a widespread local outbreak or a common source in Jackson County. The department will continue working with state and federal partners to investigate reported illnesses and will share updates if a common source or exposure is identified.
Stay Informed
Jackson County Public Health will continue monitoring local and national cyclospora activity and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
For the latest national guidance on cyclosporiasis symptoms, prevention and treatment, visit the CDC’s cyclosporiasis webpage.
