What to Know About Cyclospora Parasite as Cases Rise in Oklahoma

If you’re seeing videos and conversations online about Cyclospora, you may be wondering what it is, how it spreads and whether you should be concerned.

Cyclospora is a parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. As cases increase across Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is tracking the outbreak through weekly surveillance data. As of July 20, 2026, OSDH reported 172 cases of cyclosporiasis in Oklahoma.

The illness is also being seen locally, with positive Cyclospora stool tests identified through Norman Regional Laboratories.

“Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora,” said Shaylea Beach, DO, a family medicine physician with Norman Regional Primary Care - Doctors Park. “It's spread by eating contaminated foods, most commonly fruits and vegetables.”

While the recent increase in cases has brought more attention to Cyclospora, the parasite itself is not new. According to Dr. Beach, cases typically peak during the spring and summer months.

What are the symptoms of Cyclospora?

The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, which can sometimes come and go. Other symptoms may include:

• Abdominal cramping

• Bloating

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Low-grade fever

According to Dr. Beach, symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure, although they can begin anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks later. That delay can make it difficult to determine exactly how someone was exposed.

“Cyclosporiasis can cause watery diarrhea that can come and go and follow a prolonged course,” Dr. Beach said.

OSDH also notes that symptoms can last from days to months if the infection is not treated and may improve before returning.

When should you seek medical care?

Not every case of diarrhea is caused by Cyclospora. However, Dr. Beach recommends seeking medical attention when symptoms are prolonged or concerning.

“If you have red flag signs or symptoms, if you have diarrhea that is prolonged, that's not going away or that's coming and going, if you're having dehydration, if you're having weight loss, fatigue or low-grade fever, really, you need to reach out to your primary care doctor and be seen,” she said.

You should also seek medical attention if you are a young child, an older adult or someone with a weakened immune system and are experiencing a prolonged diarrheal illness.

How is cyclosporiasis diagnosed and treated?

Cyclospora is diagnosed through stool testing. However, Dr. Beach said it is important to test specifically for the parasite because it is not included in all routine stool tests.

Treatment typically includes a prescription antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, commonly known by the brand name Bactrim, along with supportive care such as fluids.

If you are experiencing symptoms that are concerning or not improving, contact your primary care physician. Norman Regional also offerswalk-in and urgent care in Norman, Moore and Goldsby for prompt evaluation. Emergency departments are also available around the clock when other clinics are closed.

While cyclosporiasis can be uncomfortable and symptoms can last for an extended period of time, Dr. Beach said severe outcomes are uncommon.

“Hospitalizations are relatively rare and deaths are essentially unheard of” from cyclosporiasis in the United States, she said.

Should you stop eating fruits and vegetables?

No.

While Cyclospora can spread through food contaminated with the parasite, Dr. Beach said people should not avoid fruits and vegetables altogether.

“We really still need to be eating our fruits and vegetables as part of a well-balanced diet,” she said. “We just need to be mindful of washing them before consuming.”

The OSDH recommends practicing good hand hygiene and thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables. However, washing produce may not remove all Cyclospora contamination, so awareness of symptoms and seeking medical attention when needed are important.

Is Cyclospora contagious?

Cyclospora is not spread through casual, direct person-to-person contact.

“Cyclosporiasis is not spread from person-to-person contact. It's not contagious,” Dr. Beach said.

Cyclospora is spread by consuming food contaminated with feces from an infected individual. This can happen when food becomes contaminated during the growing, harvesting, processing or handling process. It is not spread through casual person-to-person contact.

If you are sick, continue to practice good hand hygiene and be careful when handling food for others.

What This Means for You

Cyclospora can cause uncomfortable and prolonged symptoms, but there is no reason to panic or avoid healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

“Just remember, wash your hands, wash your fruits and veggies and stay safe,” Dr. Beach said.

For the latest statewide information, visit the OSDH's cyclosporiasis information page and case summary. Weekly surveillance data is published by 10 a.m. every Tuesday.