LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas health officials are reporting a significant rise in cyclosporiasis cases, with 123 confirmed as of Thursday, July 30, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). This marks an increase of 31 cases since Monday.
Benton County remains the hardest hit, accounting for 75 of the confirmed cases. Washington County follows with 13 cases, while several other counties—Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Faulkner, Marion, Miller, Pulaski, Saline, Sebastian, and Van Buren—have reported fewer than 10 cases each.
The ADH noted that while cyclosporiasis infections typically increase during spring and summer, the number of reported cases in 2026 is higher than in previous years. Health officials attribute this rise, in part, to an ongoing multistate outbreak.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked this multistate outbreak to iceberg lettuce in their recent investigation. Further details on the investigation can be found on the FDA's website.
Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, spreads when people consume food or water contaminated with fecal matter. Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure and include watery diarrhea, often accompanied by frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the ADH.
To reduce the risk of infection, the ADH recommends thoroughly washing all fresh produce, cooking food to safe temperatures, and practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing. For additional prevention tips and updates, the department encourages Arkansans to visit their website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks and Investigations page.
The ADH advises anyone experiencing symptoms of cyclosporiasis to contact a healthcare provider promptly.