Parasite Infections In AL Rise As Cases Climb Nationwide

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Thursday confirmed 11 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state so far this year as fears rise of a wider nationwide outbreak of the diarrhea-inducing parasite.

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In a statement provided to Patch, Alabama Department of Public Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers said the department receives reports of cyclospora infections every year because the illness is classified as a notifiable disease in Alabama.

Based on its current review and investigation, ADPH will report 11 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in its updated 2026 data.

As of Wednesday, the ADPH told Patch that of the 11 cases reported in Alabama, nine reside in the Northern District, one in the Northeastern District and one in the Southwestern District.

Two of the cases are reportedly related to international travel, while one is related to a foodborne outbreak at a Mexican-style restaurant.

ADPH also said none of the reported cases have required hospitalization.

Dr. Landers said health officials anticipate additional cases may be identified as more patients seek testing based on symptoms and increased public awareness.

At this time, ADPH said investigators have not identified a connection between Alabama's cases and the ongoing nationwide cyclospora outbreak, nor have they identified a specific food source responsible for the infections.

State health officials are, however, investigating one possible Alabama case that may have resulted from exposure while the individual was in another state.

"ADPH continues to monitor and educate regarding preventive measures for this illness," Dr. Landers said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that since May 1, it has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis.

Thus far this year, the CDC said multiple states have reported a noticeable rise in cases compared to the same period in 2025.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a tiny heat-loving parasite that infects the bowels and spreads through feces. Cases typically rise in spring and summer.

The cyclosporiasis season runs from May 1 through Aug. 31.

Because symptoms can last for weeks without treatment, federal and state health officials encourage anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms to contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.

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