07/02/2026
Press release - 7/2/2026: The Carroll County General Health District is investigating 16 suspected or confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis among county residents. The county's current case rate is 60 cases per 100,000 population, or 16 suspected or confirmed cases as of today. Most years, no cases of cyclosporiasis are reported locally.
Cyclosporiasis cases are increasing across Ohio and the country. Since June 20th, 2026, the Ohio Department of Health has received more than 268 reports of suspected cases from 53 local health districts. During the same month in 2025, only 10 cases were reported statewide.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the parasite, often through fresh produce. Cyclospora is not spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms usually begin about 2 to 14 days after exposure and may include:
• Severe and prolonged diarrhea which often causes dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea
• Low-grade fever
• Feeling very tired
• Weight loss
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible. The illness can be treated with antibiotics but without proper treatment, symptoms can persist and may come back even after improvement.
The Health District is investigating the source of these illnesses. Based on information available at this time, local cases may be linked to packaged shredded lettuce. This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues.
Some ways to prevent cyclosporiasis include:
• Washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush before cutting.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
The Health District is actively investigating these cases in coordination with state and local partners. For more information about cyclosporiasis, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/
