Rutherford County Reports Three Cyclosporiasis Cases as Statewide Total Increases to 940

North Carolina is seeing a significant increase in reported cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite that can be spread through contaminated food or water.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported 929 cases since May as of its Aug. 18 update, including 23 newly reported cases in the previous week. The state’s cumulative 2026 count has since reached 940 cases.

That is far above the roughly 150 cases North Carolina has typically recorded each year over the past decade.

Wake County accounts for the largest share of reported cases, with 515. Durham County has reported 64 cases, Mecklenburg County 47 and Henderson County 44.

In Western North Carolina, Rutherford County has reported three cases.

The state reported 306 cases in all of 2025 and 332 in 2024. Cases continue to be reported, and health officials are monitoring the increase while investigating potential sources.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Previous outbreaks have been associated with fresh produce, including leafy greens, fruits and fresh herbs.

NCDHHS said it is working with state and local partners to identify possible sources of the current increase. At this time, officials say North Carolina’s increase does not appear to be connected to a separate outbreak in other states involving Taco Bell.

State health officials said recent North Carolina cases have reported eating parsley and cilantro more often than expected based on population-wide food consumption surveys. However, officials have not identified a specific source of the increase.

The cases are concentrated among adults. State data show 562 cases among people ages 19 to 54 and 351 cases among those 55 and older. There have been 13 reported cases among children ages 6 to 18 and three among children age 5 or younger.

NCDHHS also reports 32 hospitalizations associated with cases since May.

Health officials note that the most recent weeks of data may not fully reflect the current situation because of delays in people seeking medical care and positive test results being reported to public health officials.