Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas has seen another increase in reported cyclosporiasis cases, with the number of infections rising to 205 as state health officials continue monitoring an outbreak of the intestinal parasitic disease.
According to the latest update from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), the state recorded 205 reported cases as of Wednesday, representing an increase of more than 18% in just three days. The number climbed from 173 cases reported on Monday, following a previous total of 123 cases reported the Friday before.
The rise marks a significant increase from earlier in the summer. On July 14, Arkansas had only 10 reported cases of cyclosporiasis. Since then, infections have continued to spread across multiple counties, leading health officials to expand their tracking efforts.
Benton County continues to report the highest number of cases in the state. The county reached 124 infections in the latest update, up from 108 cases reported on Monday. Neighboring Washington County has reported 19 cases, while Boone County, located along the state’s northern border, has recorded 14 cases.
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Several other counties have also reported infections. Counties with between one and 10 cases include Miller, Saline, Pulaski, Faulkner, Van Buren, Searcy, Marion, Boone, Carroll, Washington, Crawford, and Sebastian. Searcy County was added to the list in a previous update.
The latest report also brought changes to the state’s case map. Madison and Pope counties were added to the group of counties reporting infections, along with Woodruff and Greene counties in eastern Arkansas, which now have at least 10 reported cases.
Earlier updates had already added Grant, Madison, and Newton counties to the list of areas reporting between one and 10 infections. Health officials continue to track the spread of the illness as new cases are reported.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and affects the intestinal system. The illness can cause symptoms including diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and other digestive problems. Health officials continue to encourage people experiencing symptoms to contact a healthcare provider.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also investigating additional cyclosporiasis outbreaks that are reportedly unrelated to lettuce from Taylor Farms de México, which has been connected to the majority of infections during the current outbreak investigation.
The Wednesday update was notable because it marked the first time during this outbreak that the Arkansas Department of Health released a cyclosporiasis case update on a day other than its typical Monday and Friday reporting schedule.
Health officials continue reviewing information related to the outbreak while monitoring case numbers across the state. The increase in reported infections highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and public awareness as investigators work to better understand how the disease is spreading.
Residents are encouraged to follow health guidance and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis. As the investigation continues, ADH will continue providing updates on case numbers and affected areas throughout Arkansas.
