Northern Nevada Public Health is now reporting the second case of cyclosporiasis in Washoe County.
They say the patient is a woman in her 70s who likely acquired the disease while traveling.
Both reported cases of cyclosporiasis in Washoe County were likely acquired while traveling. The first case was reported on July 21.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, cramping, nausea, and bloating.
The disease is not commonly transmitted from person to person, but rather through consuming produce or water contaminated with the parasite.
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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is reporting the first case of cyclosporiasis in Washoe County for 2026.
NNPH says the resident, a male in his 70s, most likely acquired the disease while traveling in the Midwest, where a multistate cyclospora outbreak is occurring.
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.”
NNPH says cyclosporiasis is rare in Washoe County and the CDC said that lettuce being voluntarily recalled nationally was not 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.
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)
