Southwestern Illinois county reports three cases of illness caused by parasite

Bond County Health Department announced Friday that three people who consumed food locally have tested positive for cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that causes diarrhea, nausea and other symptoms.

A press release posted on the department’s website didn’t specify where the people ate or provide details about their conditions.

“Health officials are working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health and federal partners to determine the source of the illnesses,” the release stated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,645 cases of cyclosporiasis in 34 states in the past two months. Some 141 patients have been hospitalized.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 309 cases of cyclosporiasis with 24 hospitalizations.

The CDC determined that shredded iceburg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at some Taco Bell restaurants was contaminated with the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, but that may not be the only source.

On Friday, the Taco Bell chain announced in a statement that it had removed Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants.

“Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell worked swiftly to voluntarily remove the product from restaurants and the affected ingredient has been removed from our supply chain nationwide,” it stated.

“We took this action to ensure our guests can enjoy their Taco Bell favorites safely., and Cyclospora is making people sick. FDA is working to determine if this shredded iceberg lettuce went to other places.”

Bond County is east of Madison County and north of Clinton County. The county seat is Greenville.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite cyclospora cayetanensis. It most commonly spreads through contaminated food or water, according to health officials. It is not typically transmitted from person to person.

The illness often causes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

“Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure but can develop anywhere from two days to two weeks after ingesting the parasite,” the Bond County release stated. “Without treatment, symptoms may persist for weeks or even longer, and some people may experience recurring symptoms.”

Cyclospora infection can range from mild to severe, and people with weakened immune systems, as well as young children and older adults, may be at greater risk of developing more serious illness, the release stated. Treatment typically includes the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim.

Officials are encouraging people with symptoms to contact their healthcare providers. They note that diagnosing cyclosporiasis usually requires specialized stool testing, such as molecular gastrointestinal panels or other laboratory tests that specifically detect the parasite.

The Illinois Department of Public Health and county health departments have launched a statewide food-safety campaign as a result of the cycloporiasis outbreaks.

Officials are asking people to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or preparing them, wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before handling food and before eating and follow safe food-handling practices.

IDPH also is emphasizing that cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills the parasite.

This story was originally published July 18, 2026 at 3:52 PM.