Parsley and Cilantro Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak By North Carolina Officials

**North Carolina Faces Surge in Cyclosporiasis Cases Linked to Fresh Herbs**

Public health officials in North Carolina have identified parsley and cilantro as potential links in an emerging outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection noted for causing severe gastrointestinal distress. As of late July, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has reported a total of 561 confirmed cases associated with the illness, which has gained notoriety for its debilitating symptoms, such as explosive, watery diarrhoea.

A representative from the NCDHHS highlighted the frequent occurrence of these two herbs among those affected. Speaking to Consumer Reports, the spokesperson stated that “parsley and cilantro are showing up repeatedly” in connection with the infected individuals. This alarming trend has drawn the attention of both local health officials and communities, prompting a concentrated effort to trace the source of the outbreak.

Previous reports indicated a connection to contaminated lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in other states; however, Carl Williams, a public health official at NCDHHS, clarified that no such association has been established in North Carolina. “We have not noticed that association here,” he confirmed, distancing the ongoing cases from the fast-food chain’s previous issues. Furthermore, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had announced that tests on lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms were false positives, complicating the investigation.

Cyclospora infections have often been linked to various fresh produce items, including basil, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas. Health authorities continue to probe into the potential sources of the current outbreak, noting that they are working alongside both the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local partners to ascertain specific ingredients that may be involved in these infections.

The surge in cases has reached unprecedented levels for North Carolina, with incidents in 2026 already surpassing those recorded in the previous two years. The NCDHHS remains actively engaged in monitoring the situation, providing weekly updates every Tuesday regarding total case numbers and any related hospitalisations.

Despite the rising case count, the NCDHHS reported that there have been 13 hospitalisations linked to the outbreak, with no fatalities thus far. The seriousness of cyclosporiasis underscores the need for preventative measures, especially as the summer heat, which promotes the survival of the parasite, continues.

Experts suggest that warmer-than-average temperatures might contribute to the proliferation of cyclosporiasis cases, as the parasite struggles to survive in cold conditions. While refrigeration of produce is standard advice, there are additional recommendations to assist consumers in mitigating the risks.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly urges individuals to meticulously wash fruits and vegetables prior to consumption. Moreover, peeling away the outer layer of produce, particularly if it is cut or damaged, is regarded as a crucial precaution. Cooking fresh produce thoroughly can also eliminate the cyclospora parasite, significantly lowering the chances of infection.

As public health officials continue their investigations, the community is reminded to remain vigilant regarding food safety practices, especially with items commonly used in homes and restaurants. The potential associations between fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro and the increasing cyclosporiasis cases are being taken seriously, necessitating ongoing monitoring and public education to prevent further spread.

Health authorities encourage anyone who experiences gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after consuming fresh produce, to seek medical attention and report their condition. Staying informed and adhering to proper washing and cooking methods could play a vital role in safeguarding public health during this outbreak.