July 21, 2026. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is reporting the first case of cyclosporiasis in Washoe County for 2026.
The resident, a male in his 70s, most likely acquired the disease while traveling in the Midwest, where a multistate cyclospora outbreak is occurring (read more from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)).
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes gastrointestinal (GI) issues like diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and bloating. The disease is not commonly transmitted from person to person, but rather through consuming produce (like shredded iceberg lettuce, leafy greens, berries, and herbs) or water contaminated with the parasite.
The case is under investigation, but there is no evidence that cyclosporiasis exposure has occurred in Washoe County.
“Although this infection was associated with travel outside Nevada, it serves as a reminder that outbreaks in other parts of the country can have local impacts,” NNPH District Health Officer Dr. Chad Kingsley said. “Northern Nevada Public Health is monitoring the situation and working with our state and federal partners to ensure we’re prepared to respond if additional cases are identified.”
Prevention
Cyclosporiasis is rare in Washoe County and the CDC said that lettuce being voluntarily recalled nationally was not reported to have been distributed to Nevada.
Because fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet, it’s always recommended to take steps to reduce the chance of infection.
Cooking produce reduces the risk of infection; however, simple steps like rinsing fresh produce and preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen can go a long way in preventing the spread of foodborne diseases.
Symptoms and care
Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of Cyclosporiasis, which include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Cramping
- Bloating
According to the CDC, symptoms usually begin about a week after becoming infected and without treatment can last from a few days to a month or longer.
To learn more about cyclosporiasis, visit the CDC’s website.
Cyclosporiasis is not uncommon in Washoe County. Two cases were reported in Washoe County in 2024.
NNPH’s Epidemiology Program is responsible for the detection, investigation and response to about 70 communicable diseases and conditions in Washoe County to reduce transmission.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Population Health. More information is available at NNPH.org.