The Licking County Health Department is investigating an increase in Cyclospora cases in Ohio and is urging residents to take precautions to reduce their risk of infection.
Health officials announced that reported cases of Cyclospora infection have been identified among Licking County residents as part of a broader increase across Ohio. Residents are encouraged to protect themselves by thoroughly washing fresh produce, practicing good hand hygiene, and safely storing perishable foods to help prevent illness.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water, with many outbreaks linked to fresh produce such as leafy greens, basil, cilantro, and raspberries. The health department is reminding residents that simple food safety practices can help lower the risk of infection.
"We encourage residents to take precautions to reduce their risk of illness, including thoroughly washing fresh produce and practicing good hand hygiene," the health department said in its advisory.
A separate July 8 press release from the Ohio Department of Health provided additional details on the statewide increase, including county case counts and a reminder that the illness can become serious despite the absence of fatalities.
"Fortunately, there have been no deaths in Ohio, as is consistent with our past experiences with this illness," Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, said. "Nevertheless, this is a serious illness that can cause dehydration and require people to seek emergency medical care, and it should be taken seriously."
According to the Ohio Department of Health, as of July 2, Licking County had reported seven Cyclospora cases, while neighboring Knox County had reported one case. The agency continues to monitor the increase in infections across the state.
Symptoms of Cyclospora infection may include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
The department also noted that Cyclospora is commonly spread through contaminated food or water rather than direct person-to-person contact. Because outbreaks are often associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, residents should wash produce thoroughly before eating or preparing it. Health officials also recommend washing hands with soap and water before and after handling food and refrigerating cut or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible to reduce the risk of contamination.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of July 9, 843 Cyclospora cases had been reported nationwide in 2026. Of those, 86 people had been hospitalized, no deaths had been reported, and 31 states had reported cases. The Licking County Health Department continues to monitor reported cases as part of its ongoing investigation into the increase in infections across the region.
