The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has confirmed 288 cases of cyclospora infection in the state so far this year, an increase of one case since Aug. 18.
Cyclospora is a parasitic illness that spreads through contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea and may take one to two weeks to appear after exposure. The illness is more prevalent during the spring and summer months, but officials say this year's case total is unusually high compared to prior years.
In Northeast Arkansas, several counties, including Craighead, have reported fewer than 10 cases each. Statewide, the majority of infections are clustered in northwest Arkansas, with Benton County reporting 164 confirmed cases, Boone County 27, Washington County 24, and Carroll County 11. Pulaski County has also confirmed 10 cases, according to ADH data as of Aug. 28.
ADH attributes part of the statewide uptick to an ongoing multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, as investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Officials encourage Arkansans to stay informed through the FDA's outbreak investigation updates and by following food safety precautions. No specific source of contamination in Arkansas has been publicly identified. The ADH recommends washing fresh produce thoroughly, refrigerating food promptly, and drinking clean, filtered water to reduce the risk of cyclospora infection. Additional guidance is available on the ADH website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) online Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks and Investigations page.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.