Experts Offer Tips to Alleviate Frequent Diarrhea Irritation
WHO:
USA Today - Dr. Savita Srivastava, Yale-trained gastroenterologist
USA Today - Dr. Edmundo Rodriguez-Frias, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist
Dallas Morning News - Douglas Loveday, spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services
Dallas Morning News - Gabriela Saucedo, chief of staff for Cameron County Public Health
Dallas Morning News - Dr. Philip Huang, health director for Dallas County
WHAT:
USA Today - The outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been linked to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, including shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell, although this link was later disproven.
Dallas Morning News - Of the 106 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in Texas, 48 were reported from Region 11, accounting for 45% of the state's cases.
Dallas Morning News - Region 6/5S, which includes Harris County and Houston, has reported an additional 29 cases of cyclosporiasis.
Dallas Morning News - Cameron County has confirmed three cases of cyclosporiasis that were acquired domestically.
USA Today - Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, has been reported in 45 states.
USA Today - The outbreak has been linked to cyclospora, a parasite often associated with contaminated produce.
USA Today - Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include frequent watery diarrhea, nausea, cramping, bloating, and fatigue.
USA Today - Prescription antibiotics are often needed for treatment of cyclosporiasis.
Dallas Morning News - Texas has reported 106 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis this year.
Dallas Morning News - Region 11 in Texas accounts for 45% of the state's cyclosporiasis cases.
Dallas Morning News - Region 6/5S, which includes Harris County and Houston, has reported 29 cases.
Dallas Morning News - The majority of Texas cases have come from Regions 11 and 6/5S, accounting for about 73% of the state's cases.
WHERE:
USA Today - The outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been reported in 45 states across the U.S.
Dallas Morning News - Region 11 includes Laredo, Corpus Christi, and the southernmost part of Texas.
Dallas Morning News - Region 6/5S includes Harris County and the city of Houston.
Dallas Morning News - Cameron County is part of Region 11 in Texas.
WHEN:
Dallas Morning News - The data for Texas cases is from the beginning of May through July 20 of the current year.
WHY:
USA Today - Cyclosporiasis is caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the cyclospora parasite, often linked to human fecal matter entering agricultural water supplies.
HOW:
USA Today - Doctors recommend applying a thick barrier cream containing zinc oxide at the first sign of loose stools to protect the skin in the perianal region.
USA Today - Doctors recommend using a bidet to relieve skin irritation caused by frequent bathroom trips during diarrhea.
USA Today - A bidet can reduce the risk of fecal-oral transmission compared to using toilet paper.
USA Today - Doctors suggest applying barrier cream containing zinc oxide to protect the skin in the perianal region at the first sign of loose stools.
USA Today - The use of lukewarm water and patting dry instead of wiping is recommended for faster healing of the anal area.
(UPDATED July 30, 2026 22:26 UTC)
A recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been linked to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, including shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell, although this connection was later disproven. In Texas, there have been 106 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, with 48 of those reported from Region 11, which represents 45% of the state's total cases. Doctors advise applying a thick barrier cream containing zinc oxide at the first sign of loose stools to protect the skin in the perianal region.
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(UPDATED July 30, 2026 13:37 UTC)
A significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite, has been reported in 45 states across the U.S., with Texas confirming 106 lab-confirmed cases this year. The majority of Texas cases have emerged from Regions 11 and 6/5S, which include areas like Laredo, Corpus Christi, and Houston, accounting for about 73% of the state's total. Health officials recommend using a bidet to alleviate skin irritation from frequent bathroom trips and suggest applying barrier cream containing zinc oxide at the first sign of loose stools to protect the skin.