As of July 30, 2026, Iowa has reported 226 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 48 counties, according to the Iowa Health and Human Services Department. The CDC notes that since May 1, 45 states have identified at least one case, with nine states experiencing related diarrheal illnesses linked to iceberg lettuce. In Iowa, 47 patients reported international travel, indicating these cases were likely acquired abroad. The number of cases may increase as public health investigations continue, particularly in Polk County, which has reported 32 confirmed cases. The CDC estimates approximately 19,000 cases are connected to a national outbreak, emphasizing that the cyclospora parasite, transmitted through contaminated produce, can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Cyclospora outbreak: Iowa now has over 220 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis

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Updated: 6:48 PM CDT Jul 30, 2026

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Suzanne Behnke

Chief Investigative Reporter

Cyclospora outbreak: Iowa now has over 220 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis

KCCI branding logo

Updated: 6:48 PM CDT Jul 30, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Suzanne Behnke

Chief Investigative Reporter

DES MOINES, Iowa —

A new report says Iowa now has 226 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis from 48 counties.

The Iowa Health and Human Services Department released a new weekly report on its website this afternoon.

According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 45 states — including Iowa — have reported at least one case of cyclosporiasis since May 1.

Nine states — Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia — now have related cases of diarrheal illness caused by the microscopic cyclospora parasite and thought to be linked with iceberg lettuce, according to the CDC.

Forty-seven patients from Iowa said they had been outside the U.S. The report says: "The number of patients who reported international travel represents those who likely acquired the infection outside of the United States and are unlikely to be part of one or more national U.S. outbreaks."

\ New cyclospora outbreak under FDA investigation as US cases rise

HHS says Iowa's number may increase as investigations continue.

In Polk County, the health department now has 32 confirmed cases.

"When we find out about a case of cyclospora, our communicable disease team will talk to them and ask what they've eaten and where they've eaten for the past two weeks," says Addie Olson of the health department. "It's a really detailed process, so we gather all of that to help aid the investigation taking place at the state and federal level."

The CDC estimates more than 19,000 cases of cyclosporiasis so far have been connected to the national outbreak.

The parasite can cause severe diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss.

It's passed through contaminated produce.

In previous years, Iowa has had the following number of cyclospora cases: