ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, cases of the parasite-borne intestinal illness continue to rise, with nine new hospitalizations over the past week.

Last Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the NCDHHS launched the Cyclosporiasis Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard, which tracks growth of the disease on a week-to-week basis.

According to the new data set, which was updated at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, the total number of cases has hit 867 since May 2026, with 33 hospitalizations. Since July 28, 149 new cases have been reported.

“The illness is caused by a parasite called cyclospora. People get sick when they eat or drink food or water that is contaminated with the parasite. Past outbreaks were linked to fresh produce,” the NCDHHS wrote on the dashboard page. “NCDHHS is working with state and local partners to identify potential sources for the increase in cases. At this time, the increase in cases in NC does not seem to be associated with the outbreak in other states involving Taco Bell.”

For more information, visit www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/communicable-disease/foodborne-illnesses/cyclosporiasis/cases.