**Important**
People diagnosed with cyclosporiasis may receive an email from the Arkansas Department of Health asking recipients to complete the Arkansas Cyclosporiasis Survey. This email will come from [email protected]. This survey asks about recent food and travel history, and the information provided will help the ADH identify possible sources of Cyclospora exposure and protect others from getting sick.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening.
Click here for the latest updates about the food recall associated with Cyclospora infection.
Transmission
Cyclospora spreads when people eat food or drink water that has been contaminated with feces (stool). It is very unlikely to spread directly from person to person.
| Number of Cyclosporiasis Cases 2026 | Last Updated |
| 205 | 8/5/2026 |
While Cyclospora case counts tend to rise in the spring and summer months, there has been an increased number of Cyclospora cases reported to the Arkansas Department of Health in 2026 compared to prior years. The lab-confirmed case count for Cyclospora cases reported in Arkansas in 2026 can be found above. After an investigation, it was determined that the increase in cases in Arkansas is, in part, associated with the ongoing multistate outbreak.
Additional information regarding cyclosporiasis outbreaks and investigations can be found at here: CDC Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks and Investigations.
Additional information regarding the FDA investigation of the multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis can be found here: FDA Investigation of 15-State Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses: Iceberg Lettuce (July 2026).
Symptoms
People who are infected with Cyclospora may or may not experience symptoms. Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times. Anyone who suspects they have cyclosporiasis should contact their healthcare provider.
Prevention
People can take the following steps to prevent Cyclospora infection:
- Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces.
- Follow food safety handling recommendations for safe preparation and storage such as:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers can diagnose cyclosporiasis by testing stool samples specifically for Cyclospora. The parasite can be identified using molecular methods (such as polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) or through microscopic examination. Providers should discuss Cyclospora testing options with the laboratory associated with their healthcare facility or another commercial or reference laboratory.
Molecular tests (like gastrointestinal PCR panels that include a Cyclospora target) are highly sensitive. However, not all panels test for Cyclospora, so providers should specifically request this testing for Cyclospora when patients have symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis. If appropriate, stool samples should also be evaluated for other organisms that can cause similar symptoms.
Microscopic detection of Cyclospora can be difficult because oocyst shedding may be intermittent and at low levels. Routine ova and parasite (O&P) exams generally will not detect Cyclospora, so specialized stains or procedures are required. A single negative stool test does not rule out infection. Multiple specimens collected on different days and examined with sensitive methods may be necessary.
A clinical overview of cyclosporiasis for healthcare providers can be found at Clinical Overview of Cyclosporiasis.
Treatment
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Cyclospora infection should talk to their healthcare provider. Cyclosporiasis is treated with trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids are important for those with diarrhea.
Most people with healthy immune systems will recover without treatment, but illness may last from a few days to over a month if untreated. Symptoms may improve and then return (relapse). Persons in poor health or those with weak immune systems may be at higher risk for prolonged or more severe illness.
ADH Investigation Process for Cyclosporiasis
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) receives laboratory reports from healthcare providers and testing facilities when patients are diagnosed with Cyclospora. Once a case is confirmed, ADH reports it to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support national surveillance and outbreak investigation efforts.
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Contact Information
Outbreak Prevention and Response
4815 W. Markham St., Slot 77
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-661-2381
Fax: 501-661-2428