Diarrhea-causing illness spreads in the U.S. What you need to know about the growing outbreak

One of the nation’s largest outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic disease that can cause debilitating diarrhea, has grown to more than 1,500 cases in Michigan alone, with federal officials reporting hundreds of cases across 31 states.

As cases pile up in multiple states, officials say the true number of the infected is likely higher because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for the parasite.

There have been cases of cyclosporiasis infection in California this year, my colleague Karen Garcia wrote, but none has been linked to the current outbreak.

“From January to June 2026, California has reported 41 provisional cases of cyclosporiasis, compared to 80 cases during the same period in 2025,” said Beth Deines, information officer for the state agency.

Most of these cases are associated with recent international travel, she told Karen.

There have been four domestic cases reported since May 1. Two of the people infected reported that they had traveled to the Midwest, but the investigation of these cases is ongoing. To protect patient privacy, the state public health department does not disclose where in the state the patients reside.

Here’s more on the parasitic disease, its symptoms and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is cyclosporiasis and how is it spread?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by several species of the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is spread through the feces from an infected person that has contaminated food or water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People become infected with the illness by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite. The infection is not transmitted from person to person.

In the United States, foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce imported from Latin America, including raspberries, cilantro, basil, snow peas and mixed salad, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reports of more than 800 domestic cases of the illness as of Friday and said more than 1,500 “required further analysis to confirm.”

Those who have contracted cyclosporiasis have ranged in age from 5 to 86.

What are the symptoms?

Although cyclosporiasis cases are reported year-round, infections are most common in the summer and early fall when temperatures are warmer.

Infected people experience symptoms from two days to two weeks after consuming food or drinking water containing the parasite.

Some people who are infected, particularly those from areas where cyclosporiasis is endemic, may not have any symptoms.

Those who do develop symptoms could experience:

• Watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Increased gas
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Less common symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Body aches
• Headache
• Low-grade fever
• Other flu-like symptoms

Cyclospriasis can be treated with a combination of antibiotics. Without treatment, symptoms can last from a few days to a month or longer.

How can you protect yourself from cyclosporiasis?

Because most foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce, public health officials in California and in states reporting cases recommend:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables. Note that hand sanitizer does not kill the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.
• 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.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.

Today’s top stories

Blair Bowman stands on a friend’s patio after a 2024 mudslide in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Baldwin Vista.

(Ringo Chiu / For The Times)

A ‘super’ El Niño is brewing

• Forecasters warn a “super” El Niño is building in the Pacific, with overwhelming odds of a very strong event that could drive record-breaking heat on land and at sea.
• For Southern California, a powerful El Niño raises the risk of a stormy, flood-prone winter, landslides, beach erosion and damaging high tides, echoing some of the region’s wettest years.

Legendary Television City may be sold

• The birthplace of generations of TV hits is expected to go up for sale as debt-laden owner Hackman Capital becomes the latest casualty of Hollywood’s production slump.
• The 25-acre studio next to the Grove and Original Farmers Market could attract bids from neighboring landlords, raising fresh questions over expansion plans, landmark protections and the neighborhood’s future character.

U.S. men’s soccer keeps crashing out of the World Cup

• Despite hosting the World Cup with a seasoned, Europe-tested roster and star coach, the U.S. still crashed out in the round of 16 — again.
• The exit exposes deeper flaws: a pay-to-play youth pipeline sidelining public schools, uneven grassroots coaching, no clear national style and a schedule padded with weaker regional opponents.

What else is going on

• Here’s what the “once in a lifetime” federal housing bill means for California.
• Crews have gotten a handle on the Summit fire, burning near the Los Angeles-San Bernardino county line.
• PG&E should pay $22 million for violations associated with the Mosquito fire in Placer County, regulators say.
• A vacant lot near City Hall is set to become an art park. Why are some people objecting?
• Sam Neill, who played Dr. Alan Grant in the “Jurassic Park” franchise, has died at 78, just a few months after announcing he was cancer-free.
• A preliminary report reveals the cause of death for Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Commentary and opinions

• Bloody crashes are a fact of life on Malibu’s fabled but deadly stretch of PCH, argues columnist Robin Abcarian.
• California kids still struggle in our schools. Columnist Anita Chabria asks whether moving control of California schools from an elected superintendent to an appointed commissioner will help.
• While Trump declares that the U.S. is enjoying its “best economy ever,” manufacturing jobs have been disappearing, writes columnist Michael Hiltzik.

This morning’s must-read

Entertainment & Arts

As L.A. River morphs into impromptu stage for nature-loving musicians, gentrification fears remain

Yo-Yo Ma recently performed an intimate show on the L.A. River, highlighting a growing movement of musicians seeking to spotlight the beauty of the complex waterway.

July 13, 2026

Other must-reads

• We tried Erewhon’s viral “sacred” water. Is it possibly worth $1 per ounce?
• Cowboys, margaritas and toxic trash: Some sour on lawyers in lucrative L.A. landfill cases.

For your downtime

(Rex Kung)

Going out

• Drawing events: Here are 7 L.A. figure drawing events with unique models — from fashion it girls to muscly nude men.
• Hikes: This silent disco 🪩 hike is a new way to experience Griffith Park.
• Comedy shows: Aida Rodriguez will host her comedy night, “The Remix,” at the Ford on Friday.

Staying in

• Books: Jessica Knoll’s new sexy thriller proves why she is the queen of dark beach reads.
• Recipe: Here’s a recipe for sesame cold noodles with crab and crunchy vegetables.
• ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and jigsaw games.

A question for you: What’s the craziest beach setup that you’ve seen?

Email us at essentialcalifornia@latimes.com, and your response might appear in the newsletter this week.

And finally ... your photo of the day

Mateo Johnson, 8, of North Hollywood works out his arms as temperatures reach the low 90s at North Hollywood Park on Wednesday.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Today’s great photo is from Times photographer Robert Gauthier at North Hollywood Park last week, when temperatures reached the low 90s.

Have a great day, from the Essential California team

Hailey Branson-Potts, staff writer
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, Fast Break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew Campa, weekend writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

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