Updated: Aug. 12, 2026
Cyclosporiasis Update on National Outbreaks
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, which is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. South Carolina is not a common place where it is naturally found in the environment. However, we see some cases annually due to travel and global food sources.
Case counts typically increase during the warmer months. The cyclosporiasis season, when we typically see higher numbers of cases, is between May 1 and August 31 each year. We are not currently investigating any outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, and monitoring is ongoing.
Over the past five years, South Carolina has averaged about 50 cyclosporiasis cases per year. Direct person-to-person spread is unlikely because the parasite’s life cycle requires 1-2 weeks in the environment to become capable of causing an infection.
DPH investigates cases of cyclosporiasis by collecting information about where a person may have gotten exposed and CDC evaluates laboratory data about the organism that caused the disease. An outbreak is identified by a common feature that links several cases.
In the multistate outbreak that is currently ongoing, the features of the South Carolina cases have not matched up with the outbreak cases through exposure or laboratory data.
To keep the public and media informed about the state of cyclosporiasis in South Carolina, DPH will update case counts weekly on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. for the foreseeable future on this webpage.
What to Know
How people should protect themselves
- Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating, running them under water and scrubbing firm produce
- Wash fruits and vegetables before peeling
- Cook all foods to a safe temperature
- More tips can be found on the FDA's Cyclospora webpage
What symptoms to watch for
Most Common Symptoms
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Should people change the way they shop/prepare food?
There is no need to change how you shop, but be sure to thoroughly wash any food you will not be cooking, even if you are going to peel it. Cook and store food according to FDA Guidance.
Case Counts
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, August 11, the total number of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases this year so far is 65 cases. The next update will be Wednesday, August 19.
Cases by Month
| January | 1 |
| June | 5 |
| July | 49 |
| August | 10 |
Cases by Region
| Upstate | 27 |
| Midlands | 15 |
| Pee Dee | 11 |
| Lowcountry | 12 |
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the protozoan parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. Cyclospora is a single-celled organism that is too small to be seen without a microscope.
What are the symptoms?
Cyclosporiasis is not generally thought to be life-threatening. The parasite usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent (and sometimes explosive) bowel movements. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, loss of weight, bloating, increased gas, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and fatigue. The incubation period, or the time between being infected and becoming sick, is usually about 1 week. Some individuals who are infected with Cyclospora may not exhibit any symptoms.
How is Cyclospora treated?
If you are experiencing symptoms of a Cyclospora infection, please consult with your health care provider. While trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (a sulfa drug sold under the trade names Bactrim*, Septra*, and Cotrim*) is generally recognized as the usual therapy for Cyclospora infection, your health care provider should be able to assist in determining the best therapy for you. Don’t forget to inform your health care provider if you are allergic to sulfa drugs so you can discuss other potential options. Additionally, anti-diarrheal drugs may help reduce diarrhea, but a health care provider should also be consulted before such medicine is taken.
Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. However, if not treated, the illness may last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer. In addition, symptoms may seem to go away only to return one or more times (relapse). People who are in poor health or who have weakened immune systems may be at higher risk for severe or prolonged illness.
How do people catch this disease?
Cyclospora is spread by people drinking water or eating food that was contaminated with infected stool. For example, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of fresh produce. Cyclospora requires at least 1 to 2 weeks in the environment (outside the body) to become infectious after being passed in a bowel movement. As a result, direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely. Additionally, it is not known if animals can be infected and spread infection to people. It has become an increasingly recognized cause of persistent diarrhea in both U.S. residents and returning travelers.
What can be done to stop the spread of this disease?
- Wash your hands before and after handling food.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Avoid water or food that may be contaminated with stool.
- If you are traveling to areas where cyclosporiasis is endemic (such as tropical and subtropical regions), it's important to know that standard chemical disinfection, or sanitization of food or water, is unlikely to eliminate the risk of Cyclospora.