Wash Your Veggies: A Parasite Causing Cramps and Diarrhea is on the Rise in Virginia 

A parasite that causes intestinal trouble like diarrhea, cramps, and bloating is spreading nationwide this summer, but Virginia’s Department of Health said this week there is no evidence to suggest an outbreak in the state.

There were 37 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 4, officials said. Cyclospora, the microscopic parasite that causes it, is transferred to humans through contaminated fruits and vegetables. Authorities are still trying to pinpoint the source.

VDH risk communications manager Brookie Crawford said that washing fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking can help prevent the illness. She added that thorough handwashing also helps.

As of this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,645 known cases of cyclosporiasis, with 141 hospitalizations from it and no deaths. The CDC website noted that it is aware of 5,100 cases that may require further analysis to confirm whether they stem from cyclosporiasis.

“So far this year, multiple states have reported an increase in cases compared to the same period in 2025,” the CDC website reads.

Symptoms, which also include nausea and fatigue, typically begin about a week after exposure. Less common symptoms may include low-grade fever and vomiting. If left untreated, symptoms may last from a few days to a month or longer, the CDC said.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection, and a seven to 10-day course of antibiotics can treat the illness. People living with HIV may need a longer course of therapy as their immune systems are already compromised.

Piedmont Virginia is still wrangling the measles outbreak

The latest VDH data also shows Virginia reporting 177 measles cases, noting a consistent climb this summer.

Many of the state’s measles cases originate in the Buckingham County area, where VDH designated it as an outbreak. It has since expanded to neighboring Cumberland County.

Piedmont Health District Director Maria Almond, whose district is in the region of the state where most measles cases are occurring, said in an email that local health officials continue recommending vaccinations.

Crawford added that the local health district is hosting vaccination clinics and providing health education to their communities.

She also suggested that people who are experiencing measles symptoms or who are not vaccinated against the disease will have an increased risk of spread or exposure if attending large, crowded events.

The illness had been considered eliminated in the U.S. about two decades ago, but anti-vaccine rhetoric has grown more mainstream over the years, leading to confusion and vaccine hesitancy.

Many recent measles cases have been children younger than 12, signaling some parents likely followed anti-vaccine trends that emerged in the early 2000s and resurfaced in recent years from public figures or politicians.

VDH Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb said earlier in the summer that anyone who is still not sure about the vaccine should talk with their healthcare providers.

“They can answer all your questions and address any concerns you may have,” Webb said.

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