local
Outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite grows to more than 1,000 cases, including in Georgia
By MIKE STOBBE, Associated Press at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 8, 2026
· 5 min read
Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, making it the largest such outbreak in state history and one of the nation’s largest in years.No deaths have been reported and the source of the cyclospora infections hasn’t bee...
Key takeaway On Wednesday, the state reported the number had grown to 992, including about 40 hospitalizations.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The cyclospora outbreak, with 10 reported cases in Georgia, raises concerns about the state's food safety and inspection protocols. Given the parasite's tendency to spread through contaminated produce, Georgia's agricultural industry and consumers should be vigilant about the source of their fruits and vegetables. As the outbreak is primarily affecting the Midwest, Georgia's relatively low case count may be attributed to the state's distance from the epicenter, but it also highlights the need for continued monitoring and cooperation with national health authorities. The Georgia cases, reported in June, may have been isolated incidents or part of a larger, undetected outbreak, emphasizing the importance of swift reporting and investigation. As the state's health officials continue to track the situation, Georgians should be aware of the risks associated with cyclospora and take precautions to prevent the spread of the parasite, particularly during the summer months when outbreaks tend to occur.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . 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 WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 5 min
Get more The Atlanta stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, making it the largest such outbreak in state history and one of the nation’s largest in years.No deaths have been reported and the source of the cyclospora infections hasn’t bee...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by MIKE STOBBE, Associated Press at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. 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 .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter