07/18/2026
Every year we see cases of Cyclosporiasis in Iowa and here in Adair county. On average the state will see between 100-200 cases in a year. This year we have seen 57 cases in the state reported as of July with a majority reported in just the last several months.
Nationally we are seeing an multistate outbreak that has been tied to iceberg lettuce this has local health departments like ours on the alert for local cases. We are actively monitoring cases on a daily basis and working with our local providers, partners and IHHS to make sure our communities are kept safe!
The risk for Adair County remains low but we should all be vigilant about what causes cyclosporasis, the signs and symptoms and when to seek medical care.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. It is usually spread through contaminated food or water—often fresh produce.
Symptoms may include:
💧 Frequent, watery diarrhea
😣 Stomach cramps, bloating or gas
🤢 Nausea and loss of appetite
⚖️ Weight loss
😴 Fatigue
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure and may go away and return. If you have watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days, contact your healthcare provider. Special stool testing may be needed. Treatment typically involves a prescription antibiotic, and staying hydrated is important.
Help reduce your risk by washing your hands, rinsing fresh produce under running water, refrigerating cut produce and following food recalls. Washing produce helps, but may not remove the parasite completely.
To report a suspected foodborne illness (food poisoning) you can call the state's dedicated IowaSic hotline at 1-844-469-2742 (1-844-IOWASIC)
Learn more from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis
Current outbreak information:
https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks
