15 Texans are hospitalized as explosive diarrhea parasite spreads

Fifteen Texans have been hospitalized with a parasitic infection that causes explosive diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, as case counts climb across 31 states.

Texas has 68 lab-confirmed cases of Cyclospora as of July 13, during its usual outbreak season, which runs from late spring to early fall. The microscopic parasite causes cyclosporiasis, which causes explosive diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

The Texas Department of State Health Services told USA TODAY that the cases the state is currently seeing are only slightly higher than expected for this time of year, not a drastic increase.

No deaths have been reported, but the national case count has climbed to 843 across 31 states as of July 10. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has not identified a common source of the infections.

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis - also known as Cyclospora - and is considered generally not life-threatening.

People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, and it can take at least one to two weeks for Cyclospora to become infectious after passing in a bowel movement, according to the CDC. This means direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.

In the United States, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce and typically spike every spring and summer; however, the CDC is reporting no specific link in the 2026 cases.

People can also be infected with Cyclospora more than once.

Cyclospora symptoms, treatment

People experience symptoms of cyclosporiasis about one week after consuming food or water contaminated with Cyclospora, according to the CDC. However, some people in areas where cyclosporiasis is common may not have any symptoms.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include:

• Watery diarrhea (most common).
• Loss of appetite.
• Weight loss.
• Cramping.
• Bloating.
• Increased gas.
• Nausea.
• Fatigue.

Other less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headache, a low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms.

There is no vaccine for cyclosporiasis, according to the CDC. The recommended treatment is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, commonly known as Bactrim.

How long does cyclosporiasis last?

The Cleveland Clinic states that cyclosporiasis can go away on its own. If it's properly diagnosed and treated, the illness can last between one and two weeks. However, some people may still have occasional bouts of diarrhea for up to a month.

If left untreated, symptoms may last for a month or longer.

Is cyclosporiasis contagious?

Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely, according to the CDC, because the parasite outside a human body takes one to two weeks to become infectious.

Cyclospora, cyclosporiasis prevention

Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces and follow these food-safety practices to reduce your risk of foodborne illness:

• Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
• 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.
• Fruits and vegetables that are labeled "prewashed" do not need to be washed again at home.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 15 Texans are hospitalized as explosive diarrhea parasite spreads

Reporting by Mateo Rosiles, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 12:19 PM.