'Explosive Diarrhea' Outbreak Linked to Fruit, Salad

Bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions are among the food items identified as risky by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Published: 7/7/2026, 12:42:00 PM EDT
'Explosive Diarrhea' Outbreak Linked to Fruit, Salad
A sign of the CDC is seen on a podium during the meeting of the members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) advisory panel for vaccines convenes in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 25, 2025. (Megan Varner/File Photo/Reuters)

Federal and state health officials identified high-risk produce that has contributed to cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the past.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a tiny parasite in the intestines that causes prolonged or relapsing diarrhea.

An estimated 145 people fell ill from cyclosporiasis between May 1 and June 16 across 17 states, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national surveillance tracker.

Since then, the state of Michigan has reported cases rising to 572 as of July 4, up from 170 on June 30, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, according to CDC officials, and people can become infected through the consumption of food or water tainted with feces.

"Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea," the MDHHS said in a statement. "Untreated, the illness may last from a few days to more than a month. Symptoms may go away and then return."

While no specific produce manufacturer or produce type has been identified as the source of the 2026 outbreak, the MDHHS provided a list of food items that have contributed to the spread of cyclosporiasis in the past.

They include bagged salad mixes and kits, such as pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, and carrots, as well as fresh cilantro made of coriander leaves.

In addition to diarrhea, symptoms can include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and a low-grade fever.

“Buy whole heads of lettuce rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes, throw away the outer 2 to 3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water,” the MDHHS alert states. “For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.”

Fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, and green onions, also known as scallions, are also on the MDHHS list of high-risk produce.

The produce is safest to eat when leaves and roots are thoroughly washed and cooked.

The bumpy surface of raspberries makes them especially hard to clean, according to MDHHS officials who recommend cooking them if they are fresh or freezing as a raw alternative.

“The parasite can hide in the tiny crevices,” officials said in their statement. “Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative. Freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite.”

Federal health officials advise those experiencing prolonged or relapsing diarrhea to see a health care provider and specifically request a test for Cyclospora because standard stool tests can miss the parasite.