The Arkansas Department of Health reported 11 new lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis on Wednesday, raising the state’s total for 2026 to 263 infections. The new cases were concentrated in the northwest portion of the state, with at least seven detected there, public health data show.
Where cases are clustered
County-level data from the department show a heavy concentration in a handful of counties. Benton County accounts for the largest share with 151 confirmed cases so far this year. Other counties with notable totals include Boone (25), Washington (24) and Carroll (11). A number of other counties have reported between one and nine cases.
| County | Cases in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Benton | 151 |
| Boone | 25 |
| Washington | 24 |
| Carroll | 11 |
Public health response and investigation
State epidemiologists are continuing to investigate possible sources and transmission patterns. Officials recently began emailing Arkansans diagnosed with cyclosporiasis and asking them to complete a survey about recent food consumption and travel. The information is intended to help identify likely exposures and limit further spread.
"We are hopeful that recent food recalls, along with increased public awareness, have contributed to the decline in cases," Health Department spokesperson Sarah Morris said in an email, while adding that officials are monitoring data to see if the trend persists.
Department officials have also said some Arkansas cases are tied to a broader multistate outbreak that has been linked to products including iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms and some Taco Bell locations. At the same time, state leaders caution that differences in testing and reporting practices among medical providers can affect where cases are detected and reported.
Dr. Cassandra Lautredou, the department’s medical director for outbreak prevention and response, said the concentration of cases in northwest Arkansas is "likely due to multiple factors, including differences in testing and reporting practices across healthcare facilities."
Recent trend and what to watch for
While the state added 11 cases this week, the rate of new reports has eased compared with prior weeks. The health department noted a recent decline: there were 15 cases reported between Friday and Monday during the prior reporting period and 35 reported in the two days before that. Officials said it is too early to conclude whether that decline represents a sustained drop.
Mississippi County appeared on the case list for the first time this year on Wednesday, a reminder that outbreaks can spread beyond initial hot spots. Public health officials say they will continue to monitor case reports and laboratory confirmations as investigations proceed.
What residents should know
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness, typically through consumption of contaminated fresh produce or food handled by an infected person. Symptoms usually include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue. Because symptoms can mimic other common stomach illnesses, clinicians and laboratories play a key role in detecting and confirming cyclosporiasis.
State officials are urging anyone diagnosed with the infection to respond to the department’s survey when contacted and to follow clinicians’ guidance on treatment and preventing further transmission. The department’s outreach aims to identify common food exposures and focus mitigation efforts where they can reduce additional cases.
- State total for 2026: 263 confirmed cases
- Most affected county: Benton County — 151 cases
- Recent activity suggests a possible decline, but health officials say more data are needed
Health officials continue to update county-level totals and investigate links to the multistate outbreak. Anyone with concerns about gastrointestinal illness or questions about exposure should contact their health care provider or visit the Arkansas Department of Health website for the latest guidance.
