The Laredo Health Department confirmed seven cases of cyclosporiasis in Webb County Friday and is advising residents on steps they can take to help prevent infection from the parasite
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite is usually spread by consuming raw produce or drinking water contaminated with infected human waste
Article continues below this ad
Laredo mayor Dr. Victor Trevino said the confirmation of several cases of cyclosporiasis in Webb County serves as an important reminder that food safety and personal hygiene remain essential, especially during the summer months
“While there is no indication of widespread community transmission, residents should take simple precautions to reduce their risk of illness,” he said. “The Laredo Health Department confirmed seven cases in Webb County on July 16 and continues to monitor the situation.”
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic illness most commonly associated with contaminated fresh produce. It is not typically spread from person to person, and when diagnosed, it can be effectively treated with appropriate antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.Â
Our public health teams will continue working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the situation and keep our community informed. The health and safety of our residents remains our highest priority
Article continues below this ad
The hallmark symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery, sometimes explosive, diarrhea. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea and extreme fatigue. Symptoms typically develop about one week after infection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thousands of cases have been confirmed nationwide since May 1, with Midwestern and Northeastern states, including Michigan, among the hardest hit. In Texas, seasonal outbreaks are typically reported each year from spring through early fall
In Texas, seasonal outbreaks are typically reported each year from spring through early fall
The Texas Department of State Health Services recorded its first cases of the 2026 season May 1, when the state’s surveillance program and nationwide outbreak monitoring began. By mid-July, dozens of confirmed cases had been reported across Texas
Article continues below this ad
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, cyclosporiasis is treated with the prescription antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly sold under the brand names Bactrim and Septra
The standard treatment consists of a seven- to 10-day course of antibiotics. People experiencing symptoms should consult a health care provider or visit an urgent care center to receive a diagnosis through a stool test and a prescription for treatment
The Laredo Public Health Department encouraged residents in a statement to take the following steps to help reduce the risk of cyclosporiasis:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the restroom.
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under clean, running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
- Drink safe water. When traveling, use bottled, boiled or otherwise treated water if the safety of the local water supply is uncertain.
- Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated, especially while traveling to areas where Cyclospora infections are more common.
- Thoroughly cook foods when appropriate. Heat kills the Cyclospora parasite, while contaminated raw produce carries a higher risk of infection.
- Seek medical attention if you experience prolonged watery diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, or dehydration.
- Follow guidance from the Laredo Health Department and your healthcare provider.
Article continues below this ad
Although washing is recommended, it may not completely remove Cyclospora from contaminated produce
At this time,there is no practical method available for consumers to completely eliminate the parasite from contaminated produce
Trevino said the public health teams will continue working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the situation and keep the community informed
Article continues below this ad
“The health and safety of our residents remains our highest priority,” Trevino said
