Missouri cases of diarrhea-causing illness are connected to travel, DHSS official says
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missourians have been mostly spared from the diarrhea-causing illness contracted by eating contaminated produce or water.
Currently, the Department of Health and Senior Services has reported 43 cases since this time last year, and data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control show Missouri with zero reported cases of cyclosporiasis since July 9. Cases reported in Missouri are believed to be connected to travel.
"I do want to note that, although we have cases in MO, none are expected (at this time) to be related to the outbreak causing national headlines. We have cases reported each year around this time, usually related to international travel," Lisa Cox, spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said over email.
DHSS epidemiologist Nathan Koffarnus said the cases are being investigated further, and the CDC will update national data weekly.
"I think we also have to keep in mind that because we have some other states seeing really large outbreaks and numbers of cases, that could mean that we've got residents that have traveled to those states, so maybe they haven't left the country, but they got exposed elsewhere in the United States," Koffarnus said.
The CDC reports 843 confirmed cases in the U.S. since May 1, with Michigan having the highest count, and 86 people have been hospitalized.
"CDC is aware that states are likely to report higher case counts of cyclosporiasis than reflected in CDC data and is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed," the tracking map of the illness on the CDC's website reads.
The Columbia/Boone County Health Department told ABC 17 News there were four cases reported in 2026. Spokesperson Austin Krohn said those cases are travel-related and not connected to the national outbreak.
Boone County saw 10 cases in 2023, which had the most cases within the past five years, with 2024 following with eight cases. No cyclosporiasis cases were reported in the county last year.
MU Health Care Dr. Christopher Sampson said he's treated some patients from the Mid-Missouri area over the weekend, but couldn't give a specific number.
Sampson said the symptoms of diarrhea can last weeks, unlike food poisoning.
"The biggest danger is really dehydration, so if you're having large quantities of diarrhea, you can lose a lot of water and get dehydrated," Sampson said. "Most people, thankfully, are able to be discharged home after treatment."
Cases are likely underreported, especially if people are infected but don't receive medical treatment, according to the CDC.
The CDC said cyclosporiasis is typically seasonal, with cases increasing between May and August, typically because people are traveling abroad or, in this case, imported fruits and vegetables are contaminated. Previously, outbreaks have been linked to basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries and snow peas.
The best prevention is hand washing and washing produce.
