Little Rock, Ark. — A total of 92 cyclosporiasis cases have been confirmed across Arkansas as of Monday, July 27, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. This marks an increase of 13 cases from the previous week, as concerns over a broader multistate outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce continue to grow.

Benton County accounts for the majority of cases, with 56 reported infections. Washington County follows with 11 cases. Additional cases, each numbering fewer than 10, have been confirmed in Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Faulkner, Marion, Miller, Pulaski, Saline, Sebastian, and Van Buren counties.

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) noted that while cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, typically sees a rise in the spring and summer months, this year’s case count is significantly higher than usual. "After an investigation, it was determined that the increase in cases in Arkansas is, in part, associated with the ongoing multistate outbreak," the department said in a statement.

The outbreak, currently under investigation by federal health agencies, has been linked to iceberg lettuce, according to information released as part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s probe into reported cyclospora illnesses spanning nine states.

Cyclosporiasis is typically transmitted when individuals consume food or water contaminated with feces. Symptoms often appear one to two weeks after exposure and can include watery diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by frequent and explosive bowel movements. Additional symptoms may involve abdominal cramping, nausea, and fatigue.

The ADH is urging Arkansans to take precautions to avoid cyclospora infection. These steps include thoroughly washing fresh produce, using safe drinking water, and practicing good hand hygiene, especially before eating or preparing food.

More information about the outbreak is available on the Arkansas Department of Health’s website, as well as the CDC’s Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks and Investigations page.

The FDA is continuing its investigation into the multistate outbreak as concerns remain heightened across several regions of the U.S.