LAS VEGAS (FOX5) – The Southern Nevada Health District reported a case of cyclosporiasis in a Clark County resident who likely became infected while traveling outside Nevada, officials said Monday.
The person traveled to two states tied to an ongoing multistate outbreak during the likely exposure period before returning to Clark County. The Health District said the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the case is linked to the outbreak, and officials have found no evidence the exposure occurred in Clark County or elsewhere in Nevada.
Five cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Clark County this year, which officials said is consistent with the sporadic number typically reported locally. The Health District said there is no indication of increased local transmission.
“While this individual likely became infected while traveling outside Nevada, the Southern Nevada Health District is actively monitoring the national outbreak and remains prepared to respond should additional cases be identified,” District Health Officer Dr. Cassius Lockett said in a statement. He urged residents to wash fresh produce thoroughly, follow safe food preparation practices and contact a health care provider if they develop persistent watery diarrhea after travel or eating fresh produce.
MORE ON FOX5: Zoox issues software recall after robotaxi drives through heavy smoke in Las Vegas
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 1,644 people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia have been infected in the outbreak. 94 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Federal officials have not definitively confirmed the source of the outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s traceback investigation identified a supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce used at Taco Bell locations where some sick people reported eating before symptoms began. Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled certain iceberg lettuce products sourced from Mexico. The Health District said shredded iceberg lettuce from that source was not reported to have been distributed in Nevada.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water, most commonly fresh produce. It is not typically spread directly from person to person because the parasite needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious.
The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, though people may also experience loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue. Some recover without treatment, but symptoms can last weeks and may come and go. The illness can be treated with antibiotics, which can reduce the severity and duration, officials said.
Health officials said dehydration is a primary concern, especially for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Anyone with watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days should contact a health care provider and ask whether testing for Cyclospora is appropriate. Those with signs of severe dehydration — including dizziness, weakness or decreased urination — should seek medical care promptly.
Cooking produce thoroughly is the most effective way to reduce the risk of Cyclospora infection, officials said. When eating fresh produce, the Health District recommends washing hands before and after handling produce, rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water, scrubbing firm produce, discarding damaged areas and outer leaves of leafy vegetables, peeling produce after washing when appropriate, and refrigerating cut or cooked produce quickly.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
