I've Written About a Lot of Things, But This Is a First
I've worked as an editor for Townsquare Media for about 15 years, but reporting on a parasitic illness that causes explosive diarrhea is a first for me. I'll just add it to the list of things I never thought I'd write about... but here we are.
Indiana, Kentucky, and Surrounding States Are Seeing More Cyclospora Cases
Indiana, Kentucky, and surrounding states such as Illinois, Tennessee, and Ohio are experiencing a surge in Cyclospora infections, according to WLKY.
According to the CDC, Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It spreads when you eat or drink food or water contaminated with infected feces. The most common symptom is frequent, explosive, watery diarrhea that can last for weeks if left untreated.
If you've ever drunk the water in Mexico (or ate an apple from outside the resort as I did), then you know the misery that is the Cyclospora parasite...
Although Cyclospora cases usually peak during the summer months, this year has been particularly bad. However, the CDC is not calling it an outbreak at this point. Officials suspect the infections are being carried by a particular food, but they aren't certain what that food is yet.
I'm Sick, Do I Have a Cyclospora Infection?
If you are not feeling like yourself lately, you might be wondering if you unknowingly ingested a parasite. Symptoms usually start within a week of ingesting the parasite. Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, bloating, gas, and weight loss. Some people don't have symptoms at all, while others can be sick for weeks.
How Do You Kill the Cyclospora Parasite?
Okay, now that I've fully grossed you out, I have more bad news.
Cyclospora parasites are incredibly hard to kill. Washing your produce only removes some of the parasites. Even soaking fruits and vegetables in vinegar or commercial produce cleaners doesn't kill or remove them. They have a sticky outer layer that protects them. This shell clings tightly to the tiny grooves on bumpy foods like raspberries, lettuce, and basil.
Even bleach doesn't kill them.
How to Protect Yourself From Cyclospora
The only way to kill the parasite is to cook your food to an internal temperature of 158 degrees or higher.
I know. What a bummer.
Fresh produce is abundant this time of year, and it's peak salad and fresh food season. If you're willing to take the risk, experts recommend washing all of your produce with clean water, using a vegetable cleaning agent, and scrubbing firm produce with a brush. It's also important to wash your hands with soap and water to help minimize contamination. But remember, you can still get sick, as it doesn't remove all the parasites.
What to Do If You Get Sick
If you find yourself with, ahem... "explosive diarrhea," your best bet is to get in to see your doctor or schedule an e-visit. They can prescribe an antibiotic such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole to kill these suckers internally, along with an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication. Otherwise, this infection can last for days or even weeks.
Young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who becomes dehydrated from prolonged diarrhea are most at risk and should schedule an appointment asap.
I'm Personally Buying Local Produce This Year
Since the CDC hasn't confirmed that the infections are coming from mass-produced fresh produce, I can't definitively say buying local will help you avoid getting sick. But I can tell you this: I'm only buying local produce this year.
I mean, it's always a good idea to support local farms anyway.
Read More: Your 2026 Guide to Farmers' Markets & Produce Stands in the Tri-State
Free and Cheap Things to Do in the Tri-State
Gallery Credit: Ashley Sollars