2026-03: Chelan-Douglas Health District Monitoring Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak
Chelan-Douglas Health District Monitoring Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak
East Wenatchee, WA – The Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) is actively monitoring a national surge of outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. People become infected by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. The illness is not typically spread from person to person. Currently 34 states have reported cases. Although this outbreak is receiving national attention, no outbreak-associated cases have been identified in Washington State. CDHD is sharing this information to help residents recognize symptom, practice safe food handling, and stay informed as the investigation continues.
Public health officials at the local, state, and federal levels continue to coordinate surveillance, investigation, and public communication efforts. Preliminary investigations suggest that shredded lettuce may be a potential source of the outbreak; however, the investigation remains ongoing.
CDHD works closely with the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor developments and provide timely information to healthcare providers, food establishments, and the public.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Residents can help prevent foodborne illness by following safe food handling practices:
· Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.
· Wash all fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking—even if it is labeled "pre-washed."
· Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers using a clean produce brush.
· Remove any bruised or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables before preparing them.
· Refrigerate peeled, cut, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
· Thoroughly cook foods whenever appropriate, as cooking destroys the Cyclospora parasite.
Know the Symptoms
Cyclospora infection most commonly causes watery diarrhea. Additional symptoms may include:
· Abdominal cramping or bloating
· Weight loss
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Body aches
· Low-grade fever
· Fatigue
Symptoms may begin several days to two weeks after consuming contaminated food.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Watery diarrhea that lasts more than several days.
- Persistent gastrointestinal illness, accompanied by the symptoms listed above.
- Signs of dehydration.
Patients should discuss the possibility of Cyclospora testing with their healthcare provider, as routine stool tests do not always include testing for this parasite. Individuals experiencing diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration. Young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and anyone who becomes dehydrated may be at greater risk for complications from diarrheal illness.
Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider Cyclospora testing in patients with compatible symptoms and recent consumption of fresh produce, particularly if routine stool testing is negative.
At this time: No outbreak-related cases have been identified in Washington State.
CDHD will continue to monitor this incident in coordination with state and federal partners. If Washington residents are affected or additional public health recommendations become available, CDHD will provide updates through its website and social media channels.
For additional information, visit:
Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis | Cyclosporiasis | CDC
2026 Cyclosporiasis Outbreak | Washington State Department of Health
For media inquiries, please contact the Chelan-Douglas Health District Communications Office at 509-886-6400 or visit www.cdhd.wa.gov.
For more public health updates, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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