Cyclospora Outbreak 2026: Symptoms in Kids, Risks & When to Call the Doctor

Medically reviwed by Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, Head of Lurie Children's Division of Infectious Diseases

You may have seen headlines this summer about a stomach illness called Cyclospora spreading through fresh produce. Cases have shown up in dozens of states, including Illinois. Here's a simple breakdown of what it is, what to watch for in your child, and how to lower your family's risk. 

What is this stomach virus?

Cyclosporiasis is a stomach and intestinal infection. It's caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora that you can only see under a microscope. The main symptom is sudden, watery diarrhea that can be intense. 

Officials haven't traced it to one specific food yet, and they suspect there are actually a few separate clusters rather than one single outbreak. It's also likely that more people are sick than official counts show, since many people get better on their own without ever being tested. Historically, there have been many outbreaks of Cyclospora so this is not new.

How do kids get Cyclospora?

The parasite spreads through food or water that's been contaminated, usually because someone didn't wash their hands well, or because water used to grow or rinse produce wasn't clean. In the U.S., it's most often linked to fresh produce eaten raw, like: 

• Cilantro and basil
• Leafy greens and salad mixes 
• Snow peas
• Raspberries 

While it doesn't always remove every trace, washing produce helps and is one of the most important precautions everyone can take.   

Good news: it doesn't spread easily from kid to kid the way a cold or stomach flu does. If your child gets sick, it's unlikely to spread to siblings or classmates just from being around them. 

What are Cyclospora symptoms in children?

The most common symptom is sudden, watery diarrhea that can last for weeks if untreated. Other signs include stomach cramps, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms usually show up 2–14 days after exposure. Look out for: 

• Frequent, watery diarrhea (it can be sudden and intense) 
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea (throwing up is less common)
• Tiredness
• Low-grade fever 

One tricky thing about this illness: symptoms can seem to get better, then come back a few days later. Left untreated, it can drag on for weeks.  For children with weakened immune systems, the infection can be prolonged. 

When to See a Doctor for Cyclospora 

Call your child's doctor if you notice: 

• Watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days 
  
• Signs of dehydration — dry mouth, fewer wet diapers or bathroom trips, dizziness, unusual sleepiness 
  
• Diarrhea that gets better, then comes back 
  
• Diarrhea that started after eating fresh herbs, salad greens or berries 
  

Your doctor will likely ask for a stool sample to test. Sometimes more than one sample is needed, since the parasite doesn't always show up right away. 

How is it treated? 

A course of antibiotics clears it up, along with rest and plenty of fluids. Most kids recover completely. Children with weaker immune systems may take longer to get better and should be watched closely by their doctor.

What can our family do to lower the risk? 

The best defense is thorough food handling: wash produce well, cook leafy greens when you can, and wash hands before and after preparing food. Since Cyclospora can survive rinsing alone on some produce, a few extra precautions make a real difference:

• Wash produce well under running water, even if you're going to peel it. 
  
• Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed bagged salad when you can, and remove the outer leaves before washing the rest. 
  
• Cook leafy greens and herbs when possible. Heat kills the parasite. 
  
• Scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers with a clean brush. 
  
• Wash hands with soap and water before and after cooking. 
  
• Cut away any bruised spots on fruits and veggies before eating. 
  
• Refrigerate cut-up produce right away. 
  

This illness can wear a kid out, but it's rarely serious and responds well to treatment. If your child has watery diarrhea that won't quit, especially after eating fresh produce, don't waitit out. A quick visit to the pediatrician can get them tested and feeling better sooner.  

If you think your child may have caught this parasite, don't wait — contact Lurie Children's to schedule an appointment so we can get them tested and started on treatment right away. 

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