Summer is the season for fresh fruits and vegetables, but it is also the time of year when foodborne illnesses linked to fresh produce tend to increase. A recent rise in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is another reminder of the benefits of growing some of your own food or purchasing produce from trusted local farmers whenever possible.
While no one can guarantee that any food is completely risk-free, knowing where your food comes from and handling it properly can help reduce your chances of becoming sick.
What's Happening in North Carolina?
As of early July 2026, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed 110 cases of cyclosporiasis, with most cases reported in Wake County. People of all ages have been affected, from children to adults over 65 years old. Fortunately, no hospitalizations have been reported in North Carolina, and health officials say the current situation does not meet the definition of a formal outbreak. However, they expect additional cases to be reported during the summer months as investigations continue.
Nationally, the picture is more concerning. Earlier surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented 145 confirmed cases in 17 states and at least 20 hospitalizations between May and mid-June, with investigations underway to determine the source. Since then, Michigan has experienced a dramatic increase in cases, making it the state with the largest number of reported illnesses. Investigators are still working to identify the contaminated food source or sources.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines. Unlike many common stomach viruses, symptoms often do not appear until 2 to 14 days after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. This delay makes it very difficult for people to remember exactly what they ate and for health officials to trace the source of the illness.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent watery or "explosive" diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks or even come and go over time. Anyone experiencing prolonged diarrhea or signs of dehydration should contact a healthcare provider.
Why Local Food Matters
Most Cyclospora infections have been linked to fresh produce, especially items that are eaten raw. Because fresh produce is often shipped long distances and handled by many people before reaching grocery stores, there are more opportunities for contamination somewhere along the supply chain.
Growing vegetables in your own garden or purchasing them from local farmers gives you greater confidence in where your food came from and how it was produced. While locally grown produce is not automatically free of harmful microorganisms, local growers often have shorter supply chains and consumers have the opportunity to ask questions about growing practices, water sources, and food safety.
Protect Yourself
Whether your produce comes from your backyard, a farmers market, or the grocery store, good food safety practices are essential.
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or preparing them.
- Refrigerate perishable produce promptly.
- Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, streams, or other questionable sources.
- Wash your hands before preparing food.
- If you develop severe or persistent diarrhea, seek medical attention.
The Bottom Line
The recent increase in cyclosporiasis cases serves as a reminder that food safety begins long before we sit down at the table. Growing some of your own fruits and vegetables, supporting local farmers, and practicing proper food handling can all help reduce your risk of foodborne illness. While health officials continue searching for the source of the current illnesses, making informed choices about where your food comes from and how it is prepared remains one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family.
