No local cases of cyclosporiasis linked to current multistate outbreak
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:July 14, 2026
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District conducts routine surveillance for cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Although sporadic local cases of cyclosporiasis are reported each year, no cases in Clark County have been linked to the multistate outbreak currently under investigation.
People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water, most commonly fresh produce. The illness is not typically spread directly from person to person because the parasite requires time in the environment before it becomes infectious. People previously infected with Cyclospora can become infected again.
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure but can range from 2 days to 2 weeks or more and may include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach cramps, bloating and gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Low-grade fever
People experiencing prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. Cyclosporiasis can be diagnosed through laboratory testing and is treatable with antibiotics. If untreated, the illness may last for a few days or several weeks. Some symptoms, including diarrhea, may seem to go away and return. Some people infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.
To help reduce the risk of illness, the Health District recommends:
- Wash hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food.
- Rinse fresh fruits and raw vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
- Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated, especially while traveling.
- Cook food thoroughly when possible. Heating food to at least 158 F kills Cyclospora.
As of July 14, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, 2026, and was aware of more than 5,100 additional cases requiring further analysis to determine whether they were domestically acquired. Multiple states have also reported an increase in cases over the past two weeks compared to the same period last year.
The Health District will continue working with state and federal public health partners to investigate reported cases and monitor for any potential links to the ongoing multistate outbreak. For more information and outbreak updates go to www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.