Cyclosporiasis Cases in North Carolina
Current Case Count
Updated weekly on Tuesdays by NCDHHS.
Last updated: July 28
Data current as of: 10 a.m. July 27
Cases Since May 2026
Newly Reported Cases
Since July 21 update
Hospitalizations Since May 2026
Newly Reported Hospitalizations
Since July 21 update
Cases in NC
Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness, are on the rise in NC and other states. CDC: Tracking Cyclosporiasis in the U.S.
The illness is caused by a parasite called cyclospora. People get sick when they eat or drink food or water that is contaminated with the parasite. Past outbreaks were linked to fresh produce (lettuce, fruit and fresh herbs).
NCDHHS is working with state and local partners to identify potential sources for the increase in cases. At this time, the increase in cases in NC does not seem to be associated with the outbreak in other states involving Taco Bell.
While a source has not yet been identified, recent cases in NC have reported eating parsley and cilantro more often than expected based on population-wide surveys (FoodNet Fast).
*Data from the most recent three weeks may not fully reflect the current situation due to delays in:
- People seeking care when they feel sick
- Positive tests being reported to public health
- A case refers to cyclosporiasis illness reported in an NC resident. These metrics do include cases reported in travelers who are residents of NC.
- Cases are identified by having positive laboratory testing or cyclosporiasis-like symptoms and known exposure. (Cyclosporiasis Clinical Overview and Resources)
- The date used for this dashboard is the date symptoms began. If that date is not available, specimen collection date is used, if available, or date of initial report to public health. The earliest date a case was identified may change as we learn more information. Dates may differ from CDC: Tracking Cyclosporiasis in the U.S. page.
- County is defined as county of residence.
Cases by County
Most cases have been reported in Wake County: 432.
Cases by Age Group
| Age Group | Number of Cases Since May 1** |
|---|---|
| 5 years and younger | 1 |
| 6 to 18 years | 6 |
| 19 to 54 years | 447 |
| 55 years and older | 264 |
| Total | 718 |
Cases Over Time in NC
There have been 728 reported cases of cyclosporiasis in North Carolina this year. Cases continue to be reported and now exceed the number of cases reported in previous years.
What is a ?
Cases in 2026
As of last update
Cases in 2025
Cases in 2024
Cases in 2023
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