A suburban county has issued a warning as it investigates a startling rise in cyclosporiasis cases.
McHenry County health officials said at least 61 cases of the diarrhea-inducing parasitic infections sparking concern across have been reported in the northwest suburban county since June 25, five times the numbers reported during the same timeframe in 2025.
“The investigation remains active, and the number of reported cases may continue to change,” health officials said in a release.
The update comes as Illinois cases continue to rise, reaching near 1,000 as of data provided on Aug. 4.Of those, 58 have been hospitalized.
Cyclospora cases have been reported in at least 47 states this year, and investigators have continued to probe how many could be linked to a common contaminated source.
Investigators initially narrowed in on lettuce served at Taco Bell. Federal officials subsequently said they are focused on Taylor Farms as the source of the lettuce in the outbreak, and the company has recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico.
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Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer.
The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is less common than foodborne illnesses caused by other germs, including salmonella and E. coli. Many cyclospora cases are never linked to a specific food or other source.
The worst year in the U.S. for infections was 2019, when about 4,700 illnesses were reported nationally. This year has far surpassed that. Michigan alone has reported more than 12,000 — including two deaths. Adding in the other states that have reported cases, the national total stands at over 25,000.
The FDA says it is tracking five separate ongoing cyclospora outbreaks. The 15-state outbreak is by far the largest. No products have been linked to the other outbreaks, including one that has sickened 115 people.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis
Symptoms of the parasitic infections typically begin one week after exposure.
Infections commonly cause watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or bloating, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever.
“Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks or longer, with periods of improvement followed by recurrence,” McHenry County health officials warned.
Anyone who experiences decreased urination, dizziness or a headache amid ongoing diarrhea is being urged to seek medical care.
What should you do?
MCHenry’s health department urged residents to take the following steps:
Rinsing all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water and gently scrubbing or wiping produce before eating, cutting, or cooking. Scrubbing firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Washing and sanitizing cutting boards, utensils, containers, and other food contact surfaces after preparing fresh produce. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing food, after handling fresh produce, after using the restroom, and anytime hands may become contaminated. With no specific food source identified, consumers can reduce, but not completely eliminate, their risk by carefully washing, preparing, and storing fresh produce. When appropriate, cooking produce to an internal temperature of 158°F is more effective than washing alone because it inactivates Cyclospora.Hence then, the article about suburban county warns of spike in cyclosporiasis cases was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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