The Parasite Ruining Salads Nationwide, Explained

If you've heard the words "explosive diarrhea parasite" in the news lately and immediately regretted your lunch, you're not alone. A stomach bug called cyclosporiasis is making the rounds this summer, and case counts are running higher than usual across the country.

Here's the good news up front: it's very treatable, almost nobody gets seriously sick, and there's a lot you can do to steer clear of it. Let's break it down without the doom-scroll.

First Things First: What Even Is Cyclospora?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora. You can't see it, you can't taste it, and you definitely didn't sign up for it.

Here's the part that trips people up: you don't catch it from other people. Unlike a cold or the flu, cyclospora doesn't spread person-to-person. Instead, it hitches a ride on contaminated fresh produce or water — things like herbs, berries, and leafy greens have been linked to past outbreaks.

Per the CDC, cases usually climb every year between May and August. It's basically a seasonal guest that shows up with summer produce. This year, though, it RSVP'd for way more states than usual.

The 2026 Outbreak, In Plain Numbers

• The CDC has confirmed well over a thousand domestic cases so far this season, with thousands more still being reviewed.

• That's dramatically higher than this time last year.

• More than half of U.S. states have reported cases.

• Hospitalizations have happened, but they're the exception — and so far, no deaths have been reported.
  

So yes, it's spreading. But "widespread" and "dangerous" aren't the same thing. For most healthy people, this is a miserable week, not an emergency.

How Do You Know If You Have It?

Cyclospora likes to take its time. Symptoms usually show up about a week after exposure (anywhere from 2 to 14 days), which is part of why it's so tricky to trace.

The classic signs:

• Watery diarrhea (often frequent — this is the headliner)

• Loss of appetite

• Bloating, nausea, and stomach cramps

• Fatigue that makes you want to cancel everything

• Sometimes a low-grade fever or vomiting
  

The sneaky part? Left untreated, symptoms can come and go in waves for a few weeks or even longer. You feel better, you think you're in the clear, and then it circles back. Rude.

When to call your doctor: If you have watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days — especially this summer — get checked out. Cyclospora needs a specific stool test to catch it, so a regular checkup won't automatically flag it. You have to ask.

The Fix: Yes, There's a Treatment

Here's the reassuring part. Cyclosporiasis doesn't just clear up faster with the right care — it has a go-to prescription treatment.

Providers typically prescribe an antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (you may know it as Bactrim or Septra). Paired with rest and plenty of fluids, most people bounce back fully.

The catch: it's a sulfa-based medication, so it's not the right fit for everyone — especially folks with a sulfa allergy. That's exactly where your pharmacist earns their stripes.

Where Your Good Day Pharmacist Comes In

We can't diagnose cyclospora — that takes a provider and a lab test. But once you've got a diagnosis, we're one of the most useful people in your corner. Here's how we help:

• Filling your prescription fast, so you can start feeling human again sooner.

• Flagging sulfa allergies. If Bactrim isn't safe for you, we'll catch it and coordinate with your provider on an alternative.

• Checking for interactions with anything else you're taking, from blood thinners to blood pressure meds.

• Fighting dehydration. Diarrhea drains your fluids and electrolytes. We'll point you toward the right oral rehydration solutions and OTC support (and tell you what to skip).

• Answering the awkward questions you'd rather not Google at 2 a.m. No judgment here.
  

Think of us as the "what now?" step after the doctor's office.

How to Dodge It in the First Place

You don't have to swear off salad for the summer. A few simple habits go a long way:

• Wash all fresh produce under clean running water — even the "pre-washed" bagged stuff and delicate herbs.

• Know that rinsing helps but isn't foolproof. Cyclospora is stubborn, and a sanitizing spray won't reliably kill it.

• Cook when you can. Heat is the parasite's kryptonite, so cooked produce is the safest bet.

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh food.

• When in doubt, throw it out — especially bagged salads and greens if a recall is announced in your area.
  

The Bottom Line

Cyclospora is having a big summer, but you don't need to panic. It's treatable, it's preventable, and it's very rarely serious for healthy folks. Wash your produce, keep an eye on your body, and if that watery-diarrhea-that-won't-quit shows up, check in with your provider and get the specific test.

And when it's time to fill a prescription or figure out how to stay hydrated through it all, your Good Day team is right down the street. Swing by, call us, or message your local Good Day Pharmacy — we're always happy to help you feel like yourself again.

This post is for general information and isn't a substitute for medical advice. If you're feeling unwell, reach out to your healthcare provider.