Western North Carolina health officials are responding to a rise in cyclosporiasis cases that state authorities say has affected roughly 307 people across North Carolina since May 1, including 13 hospitalizations.
What is being reported locally
Public health departments in the region have begun alerting residents. Buncombe County reported four confirmed infections as of Thursday morning, and Henderson County has recorded seven cases since July 2 — far above its typical annual count of two or three cases, the Henderson County Department of Public Health said.
"Although no single food item has been identified as the source of cases in North Carolina, public health investigations remain ongoing,"
State health officials say the intestinal illness is caused by a microscopic parasite that is spread when people consume food or water contaminated with fecal matter containing Cyclospora cayetanensis. Symptoms often begin about a week after exposure and can include prolonged watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, weight loss and fatigue.
How residents can reduce risk
- Avoid eating raw produce of uncertain origin if local health departments issue specific warnings.
- Wash fruits and vegetables, though experts note thorough rinsing may not remove all contamination.
- Seek medical care if you develop persistent diarrhea, especially if symptoms last more than a few days or you become dehydrated.
Health officials say many past Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce such as berries, herbs and leafy greens that became contaminated through irrigation water or handling in their source countries. Foods most often implicated historically include raspberries, basil, cilantro, parsley, green onions, snow peas and various salad mixes.
| Jurisdiction | Reported cases (local) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buncombe County | 4 | Advisories issued; investigation ongoing |
| Henderson County | 7 | Higher than usual annual rate; no common source identified |
State Department of Health and Human Services officials emphasized investigations are continuing to identify any common source for the cluster of infections. Local departments told residents they will expand interviews and testing to trace potential exposure points.
Cyclospora infections can be treated with specific antibiotics; clinicians typically consider travel and food histories when diagnosing the parasite because the organism does not spread directly from person to person in the same way some other intestinal infections do. People with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their health care provider and mention possible exposure to contaminated produce or travel history.
The outbreak highlights the challenges public health teams face tracking foodborne parasites that can be associated with widely distributed fresh produce. State and county officials say they will share updates as investigations progress and notify the public if a particular product or supplier is identified.
Residents with questions or reports of illness can contact their county health department. For now, officials advise caution with raw produce and prompt medical attention for severe or prolonged symptoms.
