Escalation: Virginia, Maryland officials report cyclosporiasis cases

As of July 8, 2026, health officials in Virginia and Maryland reported cases of cyclosporiasis, contributing to a multistate outbreak affecting at least 31 states across the U.S.

The outbreak has been linked to produce, with Texas reporting 48 cases of the intestinal illness known for causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including explosive diarrhea.

In response to the rising cases, health officials are warning the public about the risks associated with consuming potentially contaminated produce, urging safe food handling practices.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that cyclosporiasis is typically associated with fresh produce, and investigations are ongoing to identify the specific source of the outbreak.

While reports confirm the outbreak spans 31 states, the exact number of cases and the implicated produce items remain unclear, with some sources indicating California has also begun investigating potential cases.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources