6 Foods Impacted MOST By Parasite Outbreak

Cases of the parasitic infection Cyclospora are popping up at an extremely fast pace in the United States. Of the many states seeing increased cases, Florida is one of them.

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There’s been a parasite going around the United States that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, and it’s not going away. 34 states, including Florida, have a combined 1,645 confirmed cases, with 5,100 cases of the cyclospora infections being investigated as of right now, according to USA Today.

There have been 5100 cases being investigated across 34 states for the parasite that is on the rise. Michigan has reported more cyclosporiasis cases than any other state in the nation, with more than 3,700 reported cases and 44 hospitalizations. Ohio also reported a record high number of cyclosporiasis cases, with a confirmed 264 cases, according to USA Today.

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According to CBS News, the cause of the recent rise in cases hasn’t been determined. That being said, it was stated that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said that previous outbreaks in the U.S. and Canada were linked to bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, and scallions.

©Britannica

Health officials are urging people to wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before cutting, cooking, or eating them. It’s also been said that firm fruits and vegetables, like melons and cucumbers, need to be scrubbed with a produce brush. Also, cut away bruised or damaged areas of produce before using and eating it. You should also refrigerate any cut, peeled, or cooked produce within two hours of prepping it.

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If you have a trip to Disney World coming up, you’re going to want to be aware that the parasite is growing in Florida. According to CBS, at least 50 cases of Cyclosporiasis have been reported between May 1st and July 4th, 2026.

Cinderella Castle

CBS also stated that “the parasite spreads through feces, and in the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that had been exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water.” The CDC said that “people usually begin to see symptoms of cyclosporiasis about a week after consuming food or drinking water containing the Cyclospora parasite.”

EPCOT

We’re going to be following along with the news on cases and other ways to avoid this parasite. We wouldn’t want your Disney World trip to be ruined by sickness. For all the latest news, to make sure you’re prepared for your Disney trip, follow us at the Disney Food Blog.

Could The Parasitic Outbreak Affect Your Disney World Trip?

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