Home / Health / Diarrhea Illness Surges Elsewhere, Spares Ventura
Diarrhea Illness Surges Elsewhere, Spares Ventura
16 Jul
Summary
- Ventura County has no reported outbreaks of the Cyclospora parasite.
- Nationally, over 1,600 cases of the illness have been reported.
- Lettuce or salad greens are a possible source in other states.
As of July 14, 2026, Ventura County has not experienced outbreaks of the Cyclospora parasite, a cause of severe diarrhea. County Health Officer Dr. Uldine Castel confirmed that while individual cases appear each summer, the current tally is significantly lower than in previous years and is not linked to widespread outbreaks occurring in states like Michigan.
Nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported over 1,600 cases of Cyclospora infections. Symptoms include explosive diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and fatigue. Investigations into the exact cause of these larger outbreaks are ongoing, with Michigan officials pointing to lettuce or salad greens as a potential source.
California public health officials also reported no known local outbreaks, noting that the 41 cases from January to June 2026 are half the number from the same period in 2025. While Ventura County has been spared thus far, Dr. Castel advised that increased summer travel and cases in other states could lead to future infections. She recommended precautionary measures such as washing produce thoroughly and discarding outer lettuce leaves.
