Parsley and Cilantro Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak By North Carolina Officials Parsley and cilantro are “showing up repeatedly” in association with people who have been affected, a health official said By Angel Saunders Published on July 23, 2026 10:28PM EDT Article link: NEED TO KNOW North Carolina has reported 561 cases of cyclosporiasis linked to parsley, cilantro, and other fresh produce Officials said the outbreak is likely not connected to previous cases involving Taco Bell lettuce contamination Experts recommend thorough washing of fresh produce, and cooking raw vegetables to prevent the spread of the parasite Health officials in North Carolina are linking parsley and cilantro to cyclospora outbreaks. As cases of the illness, which has made headlines for its ability to cause explosive, watery diarrhea, continue to climb, the popular, leafy green herbs may be a common denominator in hundreds of cases in North Carolina, a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said, Consumer Reports stated in a Thursday, July 23 article. Parsley and cilantro are “showing up repeatedly” in association with people who have been affected, the outlet added, citing the agency’s spokesperson. While there had previously been reports connecting outbreaks in other states to lettuce served at Taco Bell locations, Carl Williams, a public health official at the NCDHHS said, “We have not noticed that association here.” On July 20, the CDC announced that the test results involving lettuce sold by Taylor Farms were determined to be a false positive, adding that the agency still has not determined a source of the outbreaks. Cases of cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the parasite, have previously been linked to fresh produce like basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas, according to the Centers for Disease Control. As of July 20, the NCDHHS reported 561 cases of cyclosporiasis in North Carolina, the agency said. Days earlier, the agency said it was working with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, as well as with local partners “to identify potential sources of cyclospora stemming from specific ingredients used frequently at homes and in restaurants.” Our new app is here! Free, fun and full of exclusives. Scan to download now! The number of cases has hit an all-time high, with the NCDHHS reporting that numbers in 2026 have already surpassed 2024 and 2025. “At this time, the increase in cyclosporiasis cases in North Carolina does not appear to be associated with the outbreak in other states involving Taco Bell, but commonly reported foods linked to cases in North Carolina include parsley, cilantro, and lettuce,” the NCDHHS added of the foodborne illness. Updates, which include total cases and hospitalizations, are shared each Tuesday, the NCDHHS and North Carolina’s Pender County Sheriff’s Office said. There have been 13 hospitalizations recorded with no fatalities related to cyclospora. Some experts have tied the cyclospora outbreaks to warmer-than-usual temperatures, adding that the parasite cannot withstand cooler temperatures. While refrigeration of fresh produce is advised, there are other ways to prevent and stop the spread. Individuals can lower their chances of contracting cyclospora by thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, per the FDA. Additionally, the outer layer of the produce, especially if cut or bruised, should be peeled away immediately. Consumers are also urged to cook their fresh produce as soon as possible, as heat kills the parasite.