South Heartland District Health Department

Cyclospora Cases in South Heartland Health District

August 07, 2026

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Hastings, Nebraska – The South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) reports 18 confirmed cases of cyclospora in the health district serving Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties.

SHDHD executive director Michele Bever reported the health department has logged 18 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since July 10. Case investigations are ongoing and the health department has conducted eight case interviews with community members who have contracted the illness; all of these cases were acquired in the United States. The health department is working with state officials to determine if local cases are part of the large national outbreak.

Federal investigators determined that iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico is the most probable cause of the largest current Cyclospora outbreak that now includes 15 states. As of Aug. 5, there were 6,358 confirmed cases in the U.S., 278 hospitalizations and 2 deaths attributed to the outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are from other sources and unrelated to this outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. Fresh vegetables and fruit are usually associated with cyclospora outbreaks. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.

Symptoms usually develop one week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, stomach cramps, and nausea. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks or longer and may come and go. The illness does not spread from one person to another.

To reduce the risk of cyclospora infection:

• Eat locally sourced produce when possible
• Cook foods when possible. Heating food to at least 158°F (70°C) kills the Cyclospora parasite.
• Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean, running water before eating, cutting, or peeling them. Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
• Clean and sanitize your hands, cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and other food preparation surfaces before and after handling fresh produce.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating fruits and vegetables.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables promptly.

Additional resources:

Cyclospora outbreak linked to Iceberg Lettuce: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/index.html

Nebraska DHHS Fact Sheet: https://dhhs.ne.gov/epi%20docs/Cyclosporiasis%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Information about the recent outbreaks in other states: cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/php/surveillance/index.html

South Heartland District Health Department: www.southheartlandhealth.ne.gov or call 1-877-238-7595.

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