Is parasitic illness causing diarrhea in Kansas & Missouri? What data says
Cyclosporiasis, the gastrointestinal illness that is circulating around the country, has found its way to the Kansas City area.
Recent health data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services show that the illness has had an uptick in infections since an outbreak was reported in May.
Health officials across the United States have confirmed 1,645 cases of cyclosporiasis across 34 states between May 1 and July 13. How many are in the Kansas City area? Is there anything you can do to prevent it?
Here’s the latest on cyclosporiasis.
How many cyclosporiasis cases are in the Kansas City area?
Kansas’ health department has confirmed 55 cases of cyclosporiasis in 2026. Of those cases, 27 of them were in the Kansas City area. Twenty-five of those cases are confirmed to be reported in Johnson County, and 30 of the statewide cases have been reported since June 26.
For comparison, KDHE reported 23 cases through July 15 in 2025.
Missouri’s health department has confirmed 43 cases of cyclosporiasis in 2026, but the data doesn’t say what counties have reported them. The state health department has not responded to The Star’s requests to share how many were reported in Clay, Jackson or Platte counties.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the actual number of cases is likely much higher than has been reported since not everyone will seek treatment.
How can you get infected by cyclosporiasis
You can get infected by cyclosporiasis by eating food or drinking water that has the parasite cyclospora, according to the CDC.
The parasite is commonly found in tropical or subtropical countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces, according to the KDHE. The department said 17 of the 55 cases reported this year are from international travel, but domestically acquired illnesses are on the rise.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms include vomiting, headache, a low fever and other flu-like symptoms. If you notice these symptoms, the CDC says you should see your doctor.
Most people with healthy immune systems will not need treatment to recover, but your symptoms may last a month or longer if the infection is not treated.
The CDC says a specific food item hasn’t been identified as the source, but an early investigation in Michigan, the state with the highest number of confirmed cases, has found lettuce or salad greens may be the possible source.
“No one fully knows how cyclospora gets into food and water,” the CDC said on its website.
How can I prevent cyclosporiasis?
The best way you can prevent cyclosporiasis is to avoid any food or water contaminated with feces. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before handling raw fruits and vegetables.
- Wash all produce thoroughly under running water before cutting, cooking or eating. Produce labeled “prewashed” does not need washed at home.
- Scrub “firm fruits and vegetables,” including melons, with a produce brush.
- Cut away bruised and damaged areas on your produce before preparing or eating.
- Refrigerate your fruits and vegetables within two hours, but as soon as possible.
