local
Cyclospora cases are rising in Texas and the parasite hiding in your produce can resist routine cleaning
By Christian Hudspeth, Juliana Russell at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
Cyclospora — a parasite that can cause a miserable stomach illness — tends to make headlines in the warmer months, and this summer is no exception.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking cyclosporiasis nationwide, and its season-to-date map ties Texas with Illinois, with ...
Key takeaway The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking cyclosporiasis nationwide, and its season-to-date map ties Texas with Illinois, with as many as 30 reported cases since May 1, 2026.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
In Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located, residents should be vigilant about the risk of Cyclospora infection, particularly when consuming fresh produce. The fact that Texas is tied with Illinois for the number of reported cases since May 1 is a concern for local health officials. As Dr. Wesley Long noted, outbreaks in past years have been linked to fresh produce, including herbs, leafy greens, and berries, which are commonly consumed in salads and other dishes popular in the Magnolia area. The delay in symptoms appearing, often one to two weeks after exposure, makes it challenging for public health teams to pinpoint the source of the infection. This highlights the need for local restaurants and grocery stores to ensure they are sourcing produce from reputable suppliers and following proper food handling and sanitation procedures to minimize the risk of Cyclospora contamination.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Cyclospora — a parasite that can cause a miserable stomach illness — tends to make headlines in the warmer months, and this summer is no exception.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking cyclosporiasis nationwide, and its season-to-date map ties Texas with Illinois, with ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Christian Hudspeth, Juliana Russell at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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