Hidalgo County residents are being urged to watch for symptoms of cyclosporiasis as public health officials continue monitoring Cyclospora activity during the summer season.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. The illness is most often linked to contaminated food or water, including fresh produce. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an active multistate Cyclospora outbreak investigation on July 15, 2026.
Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms can last for days or weeks and may return after seeming to improve.
Health officials advise residents to contact a medical provider if they experience prolonged diarrhea, signs of dehydration or symptoms that do not improve. Diagnosis typically requires laboratory testing, and treatment may include prescription medication.
Residents can reduce risk by washing hands before preparing food, rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, cleaning cutting boards and utensils, refrigerating produce properly and cooking foods when appropriate. Cyclospora is not usually spread directly from one person to another because the parasite must mature in the environment before it can infect another person.
The notice is especially relevant during warm-weather months, when fresh produce consumption is high and foodborne illness investigations are more common.
