If you or a loved one has been suffering from diarrhea for many days and it still doesn’t go away after taking medicine, or it gets better for a few days and then it comes back, don’t rush to think it’s just a stomach ache from eating normally.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC has just issued a warning about the number of Cyclospora infections increasing sharply in the United States.
As of May 1, 2026, CDC has recorded 1,645 confirmed cases in 34 states, more than 5,100 additional cases require further analysis, and 141 people have been hospitalized. The actual number may be higher because many people do not go to the doctor or do not get the right type of test.
Importantly, health authorities are currently investigating many different clusters of illnesses, and have not yet identified a specific food, brand or restaurant as the common source of infection. Therefore, there is no basis to conclude that eating at a certain restaurant or eating a certain type of vegetable will cause the disease.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes intestinal infections. People are often infected after eating contaminated vegetables, fruits or fresh foods.
Common symptoms include:
* Watery diarrhea
* Abdominal pain, bloating
* Nausea, loss of appetite
* Tired a lot
* Weight loss
* May have mild fever
It is worth noting that the illness can last for many weeks. Some people feel better for a few days and then the diarrhea returns.
What many people don’t know is that a regular stool test does not necessarily detect Cyclospora.
Stool cultures are often used to look for bacteria. Meanwhile, Cyclospora is a parasite and may require a separate type of test.
So, if you have persistent or recurring diarrhea, especially after eating a lot of raw vegetables, salads, fruits or processed foods, you can ask your doctor:
“Do I need to be tested for Cyclospora?”
This is not self-diagnosis. This is just important information for doctors to consider, especially as the number of cases is increasing in the US.
Cyclospora can be treated with prescription medication. However, not all antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medications are effective. Therefore, you should not buy medicine yourself.
To reduce the risk:
* Wash your hands before cooking and before eating
* Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly under running water
* Discard any bruised or damaged parts
* Keep cut foods in the refrigerator
* When possible, eat foods that have been cooked
However, it should be noted that washing vegetables can help reduce the risk but does not guarantee complete elimination of Cyclospora.
You should see a doctor if diarrhea lasts for many days, dizziness, dry mouth, little urination, fatigue, weight loss, or inability to eat normally.
There’s no need to panic or stop eating vegetables and fruits. It is important to wash food carefully, recognize symptoms and seek medical attention promptly.
What do you think about these shares? Please comment to let me know.
Please share this information with relatives living in the US. It’s possible that someone has been suffering from diarrhea for weeks but the cause is unknown.
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy
Note: This article is only intended to provide general health information and is not a substitute for direct examination, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. If you are experiencing persistent diarrhea, signs of dehydration, high fever, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, or extreme fatigue, contact a medical facility for an appropriate evaluation. Do not arbitrarily use antibiotics or medication without your doctor’s instructions.
