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Georgia health department confirms symptoms of cyclosporiasis, ways to protect yourself
By Ellen Eldridge | GPB at Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods)
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
In parts of the country, clinicians are tracking scores of cases of sudden, explosive diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensi, and while the Georgia Department of Public Health reports no known outbreaks, 843 cases were reported by 31 states, according ...
Key takeaway These people became sick after eating food in the United States and did not report any travel during the 14 days before they got sick.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
In Atlanta , where fresh produce is a staple at many local farmers' markets and grocery stores, residents should be vigilant about washing their hands and produce to prevent cyclosporiasis. The Georgia Department of Public Health's encouragement to take extra precautions when handling fresh fruits and vegetables is particularly relevant in a city where community-supported agriculture and urban farming initiatives are on the rise. As the city's food scene continues to grow, it's crucial for consumers to prioritize proper food handling and hygiene practices to minimize the risk of infection. By following simple steps like washing hands and produce thoroughly, Atlantans can help prevent the spread of cyclosporiasis and protect their health. With domestically acquired cases occurring in Georgia every year, it's essential for local health officials to continue monitoring cases and providing guidance to the public on how to stay safe.
About this story
Original reporting by Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) . The Atlanta 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 Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In parts of the country, clinicians are tracking scores of cases of sudden, explosive diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensi, and while the Georgia Department of Public Health reports no known outbreaks, 843 cases were reported by 31 states, according ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ellen Eldridge | GPB at Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods). To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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