A parasitic infection suddenly has people talking about “explosive diarrhea” as cases climb across the country.
Cyclosporiasis is a stomach-churning infection caused by the cyclospora parasite that can leave patients with diarrhea and nausea. More than 4,000 cases have been logged so far in 34 states, although that’s probably not reflective of the true total of people affected.
Has the infection reached Iowa? Here’s what to know.
Is cyclospora causing infections in Iowa?
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has identified 57 cyclosporiasis cases in 2026, as of July 15. Of those cases, 55 have been reported since May 1.
However, about half of the cases since May are related to international travel, HHS Communications Director Danielle Sample wrote in a statement.
“None have been connected to the national outbreak investigations or a specific food source,” Sample said.
In 2025, 49 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in Iowa by July 15.
What are symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
The parasitic infection can cause explosive diarrhea, cramping, nausea, fatigue and other symptoms. Officials are probing whether a food or produce item is the source of a surge in cases of cyclosporiasis.
CDC officials said symptoms can appear two days to two weeks after someone is infected with the parasite. The organization also issued a health alert to doctors, other medical providers and public health officials about the outbreak.
What’s happening nationally with cyclosporiasis?
On July 15, the Michigan state health department reported 4,312 cases statewide of the fast-moving gastrointestinal illness, which has sickened others in 34 states as well.
CDC officials said a cluster of cases in four states − Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky − are likely linked.
Data from state health departments suggests the total number of cases could be higher than what’s been publicly reported. In Michigan, officials are tracking more than 2,600 infections as of July 13, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Is cyclosporiasis caused by produce? What to know about possible sources
People often get sick with cyclosporiasis by consuming water or food contaminated with feces, according to the CDC. Oftentimes, the cyclospora parasite spreads through produce.
While the CDC has not identified the source of the current surge, Michigan officials think lettuce could be involved.
How to reduce risk of cyclosporiasis
Besides potentially avoiding certain food items altogether, people can take other steps to reduce the risk of contracting cyclosporiasis, such as cooking fruits and vegetables and immediately refrigerating prepared produce.
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness from produce, the CDC recommends taking the following measures:
USA TODAY reporters Ken Alltucker and Melina Khan contributed to this article.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Cyclosporiasis reported in Iowa, but not linked to national outbreak
Reporting by Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
