NC’s diarrhea parasite cases: DHHS offers an update regarding possible source
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- NCDHHS says North Carolina cyclosporiasis cases do not appear linked to Taco Bell lettuce.
- Taylor Farms is removing Central Mexico–sourced lettuce from the American market.
- From May 1 to July 14 North Carolina reported 307 cases and 13 hospitalizations.
North Carolina’s cyclospora infections may not be associated with iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Produce supplier Taylor Farms is voluntarily removing lettuce sourced in Central Mexico from the American Market after the CDC and FDA tracing found the lettuce was tied to a five state cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that causes prolonged and watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
“Local restaurants and consumers are urged to be aware of commonly reported sources of cyclospora, including parsley, cilantro, and lettuce,” NCDHHS wrote. “Rinsing and washing fresh fruits and vegetables may remove some of the parasite but does not guarantee it will be removed entirely.”
From May 1 to July 14, 307 cases of cyclosporiasis, leading to 13 hospitalizations, have been reported in North Carolina. The majority of the cases are in Wake County. As of July 13, the CDC has identified that between 81 and 160 of these cases were acquired domestically.
The CDC has said cyclosporiasis counts are nearly always undercounted, as people may not seek medical care, and if they do, may not be tested. State counts may exceed CDC counts as the CDC identifies whether each case was contracted in the United States.
Commonly reported foods linked to cases in North Carolina include parsley, cilantro and lettuce, according to NCDHHS.
“While this type of information can suggest which types of produce are more likely to be contaminated, it does not prove with certainty that any of these were the source of infection,” NCDHHS wrote.
North Carolina’s cases now exceed those reported in 2024 and 2025. NCDHHS will release data on case numbers each Tuesday.
Cyclospora may take up to two weeks to cause symptoms in infected people, which can make it difficult to identify a cause – people can’t always identify all raw produce they have eaten.
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with a combination antibiotic, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Most people recover without treatment. Patients who suspect cyclosporiasis should ask medical staff to test for it, as it is not routine.
This story was originally published July 17, 2026 at 5:05 PM.
