El Paso health officials report 7 cyclosporiasis cases, no common
Mon, July 20, 2026 at 5:13 PM
UpdatedMon, July 20, 2026 at 5:41 PM
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EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) —El Paso public health officials are investigating seven reported cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, but say they have not found a common
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health said the seven cases meet reporting criteria as either probable or confirmed
Officials said there is no evidence at this time linking the cases to a single event, location or food source
As part of the routine investigation, the department determined that five of the individuals reported recent travel to Mexico during the parasite’s incubation period, including three who traveled to Cancún
The remaining two individuals did not report recent travel
Public health officials said they will continue investigating each case to determine whether any additional links exist
People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Symptoms may include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and a low-grade fever. If left untreated, symptoms may last for several weeks and may reappear
“The Department of Public Health routinely investigates reportable diseases to identify potential public health concerns,” said City-County Local Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza. “At this time, we have not identified a commonexposure affecting the community. We encourage residents to practice good food safety, wash fresh produce thoroughly, and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms persist.”
The new cases come after El Paso health officials received a report of one case of cyclosporiasis in a man in his 60s who has since recovered
Last week, Dr. Hector Ocaranza said the City of El Paso Department of Public Health received the report and conducted an epidemiological investigation, but did not determine a specific
However, Ocaranza said that case is not related to the outbreak being seen across the country or in South Texas
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Health said it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates if new information becomes available
Officials said residents can help reduce their risk by washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or preparing them, practicing good hand hygiene especially before handling food and after using the restroom, drinking safe, treated water when traveling, and contacting a health care provider if they experience persistent diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
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