North Carolina is dealing with a full-blown surge of cyclosporiasis — the parasite that causes violent, watery, “exploding diarrhea” that hits so hard and fast people are running to the bathroom with no warning.
As of mid-July 2026, more than 240 cases have been reported statewide since May 1. Wake County is getting hit the hardest with 186 confirmed cases, including 13 hospitalizations, according to a press release from NCDHHS. No deaths reported yet, but this thing is no joke.
What The Hell Is Cyclosporiasis?
It’s an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Once it gets inside you, it wrecks your small intestine and triggers non-stop watery diarrhea that doctors and patients literally describe as “explosive.”
Apparently, it’s forceful, can’t-make-it-to-the-bathroom-in-time kind of explosions. They say it comes with brutal cramps, bloating, total loss of appetite, crushing fatigue, and symptoms that can drag on for weeks. Incubation is usually about a week, but it can hit in as little as 2 days.
Health officials say we’re in the middle of a multistate outbreak. The parasite loves warm weather and rides in on contaminated fresh produce — leafy greens, raspberries, blackberries, cilantro, parsley, basil, and pre-made salads.
You don’t catch it from another person easily. It comes from food or water tainted with feces. Once the parasite’s eggs hit the right conditions, they become infectious.
NC health departments and the CDC are investigating, but no single source has been pinned down yet. That means your local grocery store salad bar or that restaurant salad could be risky if the produce came from the wrong supplier.
How To NOT Become The Next Exploding Diarrhea Victim
- Wash everything under running water. Scrub firm produce with a brush. Peel what you can. Remove outer leaves of lettuce.
- Cook it when possible — heat kills the parasite.
- Be extra careful with berries and leafy greens — their nooks and crannies make them perfect hiding spots.
- Wash your hands like your life depends on it
- Skip the raw salads
- Stay hydrated like crazy if you do get hit — dehydration is the real danger.
Most people recover with the antibiotic Bactrim (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), rest, and fluids. But you gotta get tested and treated fast.
