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Arkansas Department of Health answers questions on cyclosporiasis outbreak
KATV reached out to the Arkansas Department of Health to ask about the recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection that can cause diarrhea.
This Is How Much Fiber to Eat Daily to Prevent Constipation
In TODAY.com’s Expert Tip of the Day, a doctor reveals how much fiber to eat daily to prevent and treat constipation, and the best whole food sources.
Sandhills Calving System continues to protect calf health, ranch profitability
Twenty-five years ago, a collaboration between a Sandhills ranch family, a rural veterinarian and Husker researchers led to a management innovation that transformed how cattle producers prevent calf scours. Known today as the Sandhills Calving System, the approach has become one of the most widely recommended strategies for preventing neonatal calf diarrhea.
Tps to prevent cyclospora infection and explosive diarrhea
At least 170 Michiganders have contracted a parasitic gastrointestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. Here are the CDC's tips to prevent illness.
Here’s what health experts believe could be linked to ‘explosive diarrhea’ outbreak
Health experts believe they may have found a source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Explosive diarrhea? Here's what to know about Cyclospora
It's invisible to the naked eye, difficult to trace and can cause weeks of diarrhea. Here's what to know about the parasite, Cyclospora.
Georgia health officials warn of seasonal Cyclospora risk as parasite cases rise nationwide
The parasite that causes prolonged diarrhea is most common during Georgia's summer months. Here's what residents should know as cases climb across the U.S.
Stomach bug causing explosive diarrhea. How to reduce your risk
In the past nine days, health officials have diagnosed more than 170 people with cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness. It is considered an outbreak.
Lettuce at Taco Bell confirmed as source of a diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak
The CDC warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia
Taco Bell has a diarrhea problem
Taco Bell has been the shining star of the fast-food business for several years. But now the company is contending with a restaurant’s worst nightmare: an explosive diarrhea outbreak.
Mystery parasite leaves Americans battling ‘explosive diarrhea’ as CDC investigates
The CDC reports 145 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 17 states as the parasitic outbreak season climbs, with 20 patients hospitalized so far.
Common IBS medications linked to higher risk of death in major study
A massive, nearly 20-year study tracking over 650,000 Americans with irritable bowel syndrome is raising new questions about the long-term safety of common treatments. Researchers found that some widely used medications—including antidepressants and certain antidiarrheal drugs—were linked to a small but noticeable increase in the risk of death over time.
Cyclospora outbreaks start with human contamination. Nobody has ever been able to figure out how
As cases of explosive diarrhea continue to rise across the US this summer, health officials are grappling with a longstanding question about the tiny parasite that’s behind all this torment: Just how the heck is poop getting into our food?
Mississippi sees rise in cyclospora cases, health official weighs in
Mississippi health officials report rise in cases of cyclosporiasis. How to protect yourself from the diarrhea-causing parasite.
Going swimming? This 1 small water mistake can lead to diarrhea or worse, health officials warn
It's not just at beaches -- Illinois health officials warned that the illnesses can be contracted by people swimming in pools, hot tubs, spas, water parks, rivers and more.
‘Explosive Diarrhea Parasite’ Sickens 170 in Michigan, Hospitalizes At Least 20 Nationwide
Cyclosporiasis is a type of food poisoning that can cause severe diarrheal illness, but it is not usually life-threatening. The latest spike in Michigan has health officials on high alert.
Cases of 'explosive’ diarrhea illness top 1K. See states with the most
Cases of cyclosporiasis, which causes explosive diarrhea and other food poisoning symptoms, have topped 1,000. See which states have the most.
This dangerous vomiting and diarrhea virus is surging across the US
Cases of the virus are abnormally high this year, according to health experts, and are especially dangerous for children.
AOC Blames Trump Science Cuts for Rise in “Explosive Diarrhea” Cases
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez linked budget reductions in federal science departments during the presidency of Donald Trump to a sharp growth in the number of Americans suffering from explosive diarrh...
US health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
Here’s what health experts believe could be linked to ‘explosive diarrhea’ outbreak
Health experts believe they may have found a source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Michigan Health Officials Eye Lettuce as Culprit in Explosive-Diarrhea Outbreak
The state health department in Michigan, where there are thousands of cases, pointed to prewashed salad kits as a possible culprit.
Does cooking or vinegar kill Cyclospora? How to avoid the diarrhea-causing parasite, according to health officials
Keep these tips in mind as the parasite continues to spread this summer.
Experts weigh in on Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak, treatment, tests
If you've had diarrhea and abdominal pain for more than a couple of days, infectious disease doctors say it's important to test for cyclosporiasis.
Focus: Michigan battles massive outbreak as state reels from Trump cuts
Two weeks before the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued its cyclosporiasis health warning on July 14, Michigan warned of an unusually large outbreak of parasitic disease that was causing explosive diarrhea.
Lettuce at Taco Bell in 5 states confirmed as a source of diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials have identified lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations across five U.S. states as a source of the widespread outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
Drug-resistant bacteria causing bloody diarrhea is growing threat
Here's a look at how to prevent drug-resistant shigella, a type of bacteria that causes shigellosis, a diarrheal infection.
Health officials investigate foods potentially linked to cyclosporiasis in North Carolina
North Carolina health officials continue to investigate amid a surge in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause "explosive" diarrhea.
Science can serve dark as well as light
I’m not sure how many of you are watching “Star City,” Apple TV’s spin-off of its “For All Mankind” program (2019-present), but it’s one of the better sci-fi series I’ve seen in a while, with an impressively dark political message. (Some light spoilers below.) For the uninitiated, “For All Mankind” presented a slightly tweaked history of the U.S. space program in which it was the USSR that landed on the Moon first in 1969, and shortly thereafter put a woman cosmonaut on the lunar surface. This sparks an ongoing space race that, in the original series, yields a lot of benefits for humanity. President Nixon’s insistence on a female astronaut corps to compete with the Soviets boosts the feminist movement of the 1970s and the ERA passes. New fuels generated for the space program create clean and cheap energy around Earth. There are also some darker changes — the USSR is thriving well into the 2000s, there are terrorist counter-technology movements around the globe, laborers on Mars work in nightmarish conditions and organize strikes and riots, etc. the @smotus report is a reader-supported publication. To support this work, please become a paid subscriber. Subscribe That show offers glimpses into the subtle ways this Earth is different. Teddy Kennedy never went to Chappaquidick because he was racing back to Washington to deal with the space program crisis; he gets elected President in 1972. John Lennon survives his early 1980s shooting but Pope John Paul II does not. The Apple Newton succeeded. Pretty much the whole of season 4 is a setup for an Al Gore joke. Again, mostly, the vision that “For All Mankind” presents is a positive one, with technology advancing many human interests. “Star City” goes in a very different direction. This spin-off show is about the same set of events but from the Soviet perspective. As we meet them, the team of scientists and cosmonauts responsible for the lunar landing are still basking in their hero status, but their program is embedded deep in the Soviet security state of the late 1960s. Everyone’s apartment is bugged. Whole teams of clerical staff spend their days transcribing recordings of people’s lives. People in the program, including respected cosmonauts, are regularly arrested. An incredibly menacing Colonel Lyudmilla Raskova (Anna Maxwell Martin) forces confessions and tortures and kills, expressing little more than annoyance in the process. Meanwhile, the space program’s highly respected Chief Designer (Rhys Ifans) has a vision for the program that he knows the government will not approve. He insists that they need to think past the Moon to focus on colonizing the solar system, starting with Venus. (This is a rough parallel to the Americans’ pivot to Mars in the original show.) He essentially builds a secret space program within the space program, calculating that the government will embrace the mission after it has succeeded. (As an aside, I’m not sure why the Venus obsession, as a successful mission can’t produce the biggest public relations payoff: a cosmonaut standing on the surface holding the Soviet flag. Anyone standing on Venus would be immediately crushed by the 92-bar atmosphere and then cremated in the 900°F temperatures. But in a country with no free press perhaps the visual payoff was less valued.) But the overall vision is that the technological advances have only amplified the most fearsome aspects of the Soviet system. The state is paranoid (but not incorrect) about American spies and does monstrous things to protect its secrets. People are terrified to trust each other. Classic banality-of-evil figures order people to harm those they care about; those people comply rather than get shot. Others are forced into criminal behavior to protect loved ones. We’re reminded all the time these days of what happens when a government despises science. It manifests in the defunding of schools, the elevation of fossil fuels as the rest of the world pivots to solar, outbreaks of measles and diarrhea, etc. But “Star City” offers a vision of a bad government that likes science. It’s not encouraging. It’s not yet clear if there will be a season two of this show. But I strongly recommend season one. It’s both thoughtful and gripping. Share
Multistate outbreak of foodborne parasitic illness reaches Virginia and Maryland
An intestinal illness that can cause nausea and watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea that’s been reported in several states has reached Virginia and Maryland.
Cyclosporiasis: the science, risks and red flags
What’s small, round and could give you explosive diarrhea? Cyclospora parasites. The diarrheal disease they cause is wreaking havoc on thousands this summer in what is the largest known flare up in the U.S. ever. What’s causing it and what can we do about it? NPR’s Joseph Kim joins host Nate Rott to talk about the outbreak – and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.Read more of Joseph’s reporting on cyclosporiasis here. Interested in more science in the news? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. It includes perks like bonus episodes, early access, archive access, curated playlists and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak exposes a weakened US public health system
The parasitic disease causes explosive diarrhea, abdominal pain and fatigue but is rarely fatal.
Here’s what health experts believe could be linked to ‘explosive diarrhea’ outbreak
Health experts believe they may have found a source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Doctor shares high-fiber food swaps to avoid parasitic diarrhea cyclosporiasis
With the parasitic infection cyclosporiasis spreading across the US, salads and berries are risky. A doctor explains what she's eating instead to get enough fiber.
Michigan parasitic diarrhea cases swell to 681: How to prevent it
The state health department issued more tips and suggests cooking produce to prevent cyclosporiasis infection as cases in Michigan skyrocket.
See map tracking spread of ‘explosive' diarrhea illness across US
Cases of cyclosporiasis continue to climb rapidly as 13 new states reported infections. See map tracking the spread.
Metro Health urges summer pool-goers to curb cryptosporidiosis risk as diarrhea cases rise
San Antonio Metro Health reports 36 cryptosporidiosis and 15 cyclosporiasis cases so far in 2026, in line with past summers. Officials urge pool and food safety steps, and to see a provider for persistent GI symptoms.
‘Explosive’ diarrhea illness reported across US. See map of affected states
Cyclosporiasis can ruin a summery picnic with explosive diarrhea and other food poisoning symptoms, according to the CDC. See the impacted states.
Is local produce safer? After Cyclospora outbreak, Ann Arbor business owners say yes
Ann Arbor residents, along with many other Midwesterners, found themselves rethinking where their produce comes from amid a diarrheal parasite outbreak this past summer.
It's not just produce. Where else can 'explosive diarrhea' bug hide?
As cases of cyclosporiasis rise, investigators may be overlooking the true source, experts told USA TODAY.
Cuba: US Embassy issues health alert due to GI pathogens like norovirus, Shigella
The US Embassy in Havana issued a health alert last week after seeing a significant increase in diarrheal illness across Cuba, associated with the continuing degradation of the water and energy infrastructure. This degradation affects water supply, and food storage and temperature control. Recent cases have included E. coli, norovirus, Shigella, and other gastrointestinal pathogens. This comes after a health alert dated August 28 which noted that Cuba’s water delivery infrastructure is increasingly unstable. The Embassy is aware of reports of residential neighborhoods that have gone for long periods without receiving water from municipal or public sources. Dengue cases surge in the Tampa Bay area Prolonged and worsening water issues and power outages caused by the regime’s mismanagement of public infrastructure impact the entire island. Water often only flows to residences when city power is on for a sufficient amount of time. Media reports indicate wells are running dry across the country due to drought, aggravating the ability to supplement water delivery. The lack of water, coupled with power shortages that have disrupted cold chain networks, can present significant health and safety challenges. We remind U.S. citizens to be aware of the risks when traveling to Cuba and take precautions. Embassy officials offer the following precautions to prevent illnesses: Avoiding Foodborne Illness: Be cautious of meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, and other perishable foods that may have been inadequately stored. Avoid foods that appear to have been sitting at room temperature for extended periods. Avoid raw or improperly washed vegetables. Be cautious of food cooked and then cooled, stored, or reheated, as improper temperature control can allow pathogens or toxins to develop. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizer may be less effective against certain gastrointestinal pathogens, including norovirus. Outbreak News Today is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Water Safety: Use only water known to be safe for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, and cooking. Use bottled or appropriately treated water; check that bottle seals are intact before opening. Avoid ice unless the water source is known to be safe. Do not use untreated tap water to prepare beverages or food. Be aware that contamination can occur when food, utensils, and surfaces are washed with contaminated water. If You Become Ill: Stay hydrated, especially with frequent diarrhea or vomiting. Most illnesses are self-limited and improve within several days. Seek medical attention for persistent or severe diarrhea, bloody stools, high fever, significant abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, or symptoms not improving. Common medications (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antibiotics) are frequently unavailable in Cuba; consider bringing your own supply. If you like the reporting on Outbreak News Today, please consider a paid subscription for $5/month or $30 a year. Help support the cause of this niche journalism. It is appreciated.
Massive outbreak of 'explosive diarrhea' parasite expands to 3 more states with more than 11K sickened
‘Explosive Diarrhea’ Parasite Surges In Michigan, At Least 3 More States As Officials Investigate
Infections with cyclospora, a parasite that spreads through raw produce and causes severe “explosive” diarrhea, are on the rise in multiple states.
Southern Indiana health department conducting contact tracing of diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal and state health investigators say the most common thread they’re hearing right now is iceberg lettuce, including prepackaged lettuce.
Source of 'explosive diarrhea' illness remains mystery as cases rise
Michigan alone has reported more than 700 cases of the seasonal food poisoning parasite often linked to fresh produce. Why haven't we found the cause?
Diarrhea-causing infection increasing in US, CDC says
Officials called the increase "a public health threat," especially since shigella is spread easily from person to person.
What Delawareans should know about this diarrhea-causing parasite
Cyclosporiasis cases are rising across the U.S. Here's what Delawareans should know about the illness and how to help prevent infection.
More than 60 North Carolina cases tied to parasite behind 'explosive diarrhea'
North Carolina is dealing with a rise in Cyclospora cases, a microscopic parasite known for unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, including "explosive diarrhea."
US health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
Parasite outbreak spreads to 21 Michigan counties. See where cases are
Michigan health officials said a gastrointestinal parasite that causes explosive diarrhea has sickened over 225 people. Here's where the cases are.
Explosive diarrhea parasite cases rise by thousands, now in 45 states
There have been 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases of the explosive diarrhea illness since May 1, the CDC said July 28.
23 cases of 'explosive diarrhea' parasite in Louisiana, LDH reports. Here's what to know.
Here's what to know about the cyclosporas outbreak, including including case numbers, prevention tips and ongoing investigations.
Man who the diarrhea parasite cyclospora after lunch shares symptoms, advice
A man in New York City contracted the diarrhea parasite cyclospora, and suspects a lunch bowl with chopped lettuce was the cause.
Video Health officials declare the cyclosporiasis outbreak over
The parasite that sickened nearly 13,000 people in the U.S. was associated with contaminated lettuce and caused symptoms like diarrhea and nausea.
Toilet humor over diarrhea-induced weight loss shows fat phobia is alive and well
Social media influencers jokingly promoting cyclospora infection to lose weight are encouraging body shaming and eating disorders.
Cyclosporiasis Map 2026, Foods to Avoid as Outbreak Spreads to 47 States
A massive outbreak of the “explosive diarrhea parasite” cyclospora has been linked to shredded lettuce. Where are cases rising, and what are the other possible sources?
US embassy issues health alert for Cuba amid oil blockade, sanctions
The U.S. embassy in Havana issued a health alert for Cuba on Friday, warning travelers and residents of a spike in intestinal illnesses and diarrhea caused by failing water and electricity supply, even as the Trump administration continued to hold back fuel shipments necessary for power generation on the island.
Health Officials Zero In on Lettuce in Explosive-Diarrhea Outbreak Probe
The state health department in Michigan, where there are thousands of cases, pointed to prewashed salad kits as a possible culprit
‘Explosive’ diarrhea parasite cases surge as health officials seek source
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis are typically traced back to prepackaged food and fresh produce.
U.S. Embassy in Havana issues health alert as sanctions limit imports to Cuba
The embassy issued a health alert Friday warning of a “significant increase in diarrheal illnesses across Cuba” caused by contaminated water and inadequate refrigeration.
Michigan health officials reveal potential source for cyclosporiasis outbreak
With cases of a parasitic infection that causes "explosive diarrhea" climbing into the thousands in Michigan, health officials believe they have the beginnings of a potential source for the outbreak.
Louisiana restaurants, grocers respond to outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce
The food-borne parasitic outbreak that can cause extreme diarrhea and has affected several U.S. states, including Louisiana, is creating headaches for owners of local restaurants and supermarkets.
US outbreak of parasite causing ‘watery diarrhea’ rises to more than 2,800 cases
Outbreak comes a year after Trump administration cut funding for state and local health departments
Diarrhea-causing parasite that can contaminate raw produce causing misery across several states
This 4th of July weekend, you may want to give those raw berries or green salad the side-eye.
So you think you caught cyclospora, the diarrhea-causing parasite. Here’s what to do next
The symptoms of cyclospora resemble other, more common stomach bugs, and many people will try to wait it out at home rather than seeking care.
FDA is still focused on lettuce supplier as source of parasite, despite faulty test result
Federal health officials said Monday they remain focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of a multistate outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite, despite inaccurate test results that the government briefly publicized over the weekend.
Parasitic diarrhea outbreak: produce to avoid, how to prepare food
The source of the current US outbreak is unknown, but in the past, cyclosporiasis has been linked to raspberries, basil, snow peas, green onions, and lettuce.
US health officials are investigating a new cyclospora outbreak
U.S. health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora. The outbreak included 72 people as of Wednesday.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak in the US, by the numbers
Some US states are facing a large and growing outbreak of diarrhea caused by cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh food or water.
US health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
America’s Homegrown-Parasite Problem
Scientists don’t know why cyclosporiasis, a tropical diarrheal disease, is spreading more and more from domestic sources.
Health officials urge food safety as cyclosporiasis cases rise in North Carolina
Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that can cause diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms, is rising across North Carolina and the U.S., health officials say.
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak 2026 Map, Foods to Avoid as Parasite Cases Hit 45 States
A massive outbreak of the “explosive diarrhea parasite” cyclospora has been linked to shredded lettuce. Where are cases rising, and what are the other possible sources?
Ohio's top health leader expects increase in cases of explosive diarrhea bug
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, leader of the Ohio Department of Health, says while Ohio has had 364 cases so far, Michigan has had thousands of cases.
Cyclospora season winds down, even as Texas cases linked to outbreak
The diarrhea-inducing parasite’s summer season is coming to a close, even as health authorities link some Texas cases to outbreak stemming from lettuce.
Metro Detroit businesses concerned as Cyclosporiasis cases reach over 1,200
Cyclospora now has over 1000 cases in the metro Detroit area. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and explosive diarrhea.
Health officials investigate foods potentially linked to cyclosporiasis in North Carolina
North Carolina health officials continue to investigate amid a surge in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can cause "explosive" diarrhea.
I Never Thought “Explosive Diarrhea” Would Become a Reason to Vote Blue, but Here We Are
These foodborne illness outbreaks have certainly put the Republican party in a sh*tty situation.
‘Lettuce or salad greens' could be potential source of cyclosporiasis outbreak, health officials say
Thousands of cases of the parasite, which can cause "explosive" diarrhea, have been recorded in the Midwest.
Scientists find the “Achilles’ heel” of deadly gut bacteria
Researchers discovered an “Achilles’ heel” shared by E. coli, Shigella, and other diarrhea-causing bacteria: enzymes they use to breach the gut’s protective mucus layer. By targeting this common vulnerability, scientists may be able to develop a single vaccine that prevents several major diarrheal infections before they even begin.
An outbreak of diarrhea caused by a parasite has hit at least 1,400 people. Here’s how to stay safe
It’s not clear what’s causing rising cases of cyclosporiasis, but cooking fruits and veggies and washing produce can help reduce your risk.
Late-Night Noshing Could Contribute To Stress-Related Bathroom Problems
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterMONDAY, April 27, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Late-night snacking could be worsening your stress-related bowel problems, a new study says. People who eat lots after 9 p.m. can be more than twice as likely to experience constipation and diarrhea, researchers will ...
Illinois health officials warn of high rate of intestinal illness caused by contaminated foods
The intestinal illness cyclosporiasis is contracted by consuming contaminated foods. The most common symptoms of the illness are diarrhea, nausea and fatigue, according to health officials.
What to know about the cyclosporiasis outbreak hitting more than half of U.S. states
A surge of cases of the intestinal illness that causes diarrhea and nausea has been detected in 31 states, according to federal health authorities, but the source is still under investigation.
US health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
What doctors want patients to know about food poisoning
Food poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. Learn how to spot warning signs, recover safely, prevent illness and when to call your doctor.
Lettuce or salad greens could be source of diarrhea-causing illness, Michigan health officials say
The foodborne gastrointestinal illness has shown up in 31 states, and federal health officials say 86 people have been hospitalized.
Advancing high-threat pathogen preparedness in WHO South-East Asia Region: 2025 in review
Effective preparedness for high-threat pathogens demands more than technical tools — it requires a coherent strategy, sustained country engagement, and the institutional infrastructure to translate evidence into action. In 2025, the Pandemic and Epidemic Management (PEM) Unit advanced all three, working across the full spectrum of high threat pathogen (HTP) preparedness: from methodology development and evidence generation to country-level technical support, emergency response, and regional workforce strengthening.At the core of the PEM unit's work is building the regional evidence and policy architecture needed to prioritize and respond to HTPs systematically. A major milestone was the development of the HTP Prioritization Methodology — a structured, multi-criteria approach to ranking pathogens by epidemic potential, severity, and national context — and its national pilot in Bangladesh, where SARS-CoV-2, Nipah, dengue, and cholera emerged as the highest-priority threats, informing the PEM unit's contribution to 2026–27 biennium prioritization and workplan development (Access link here).Underpinning this work, the PEM unit advanced the peer-reviewed evidence base for HTP preparedness in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR), with three publications in international journals in 2025: Development of a zoonotic influenza distribution assessment and ranking system (ZIDAR): Technical application in Nepal to support cross-sectoral risk-based surveillance in One Health; Implications for influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces in BMJ Public Health; and Operationalizing multisector partnerships: a Theory of Action and Reflection tool for zoonotic influenzas in Health Policy and Planning. Together, these contributions move the Region’s HTP preparedness agenda from practice to science — generating the transferable methodological foundations that will inform evidence-based capacity strengthening in Member States.Country-level engagement in 2025 reflected the breadth of contexts in which HTP preparedness must function. Technical support was provided for Mpox and cholera events across the Region, including coordination of cholera and acute watery diarrhea prevention and control in Myanmar in the wake of the March 2025 earthquake. In Myanmar, the PEM unit contributed technical leadership to the earthquake emergency response — one of the most complex humanitarian emergencies in the SEAR — as Health Operations and Technical Support lead within the Incident Management Support Team. This included strengthening emergency response planning, supporting operational and after-action reviews, and providing monitoring and evaluation support for both acute and protracted crisis response. The breadth of HTP support provided to emergency operations across the SEAR was documented in the PEM unit’s contribution to the regional report for the Health Security Interface Technical Advisory Group.In Sri Lanka, technical collaboration with the WHO Country Office and the Ministry of Health laid the groundwork for the National Steering Committee's 2026 annual meeting, development of Standard Operating Procedures for specialized emergency response, and a national training programme — all structured around evidence-based risk assessment for specialized hazards including HTPs.Across the SEAR, the unit contributed to strengthening the workforce architecture that underpins HTP response. Technical inputs shaped the WHO South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Workforce Strategy 2025–2030, and the PEM unit supported conceptual development of the health emergency workforce framework for the Pandemic Fund Round 3 proposal.Alongside this, the unit's sustained engagement on the meningitis agenda culminated in the launch of the Regional Implementation Framework to Defeat Meningitis in South-East Asia by 2030 at the Seventy-eighth Session of the Regional Committee, ensuring the Region's priorities were reflected in the Global Technical Task Force and expanding the unit's HTP engagement beyond outbreak-prone zoonotic pathogens (Regional Implementation Framework to Defeat Meningitis in South-East Asia by 2030).Taken together, 2025 demonstrated that meaningful HTP preparedness is built incrementally — through methodology, engagement, and the steady accumulation of institutional capacity across Member States.Bangladesh piloted the HTP Prioritization Methodology and identified the highest-priority pathogens in the country context (Photo credit: WHO Country Office, Bangladesh).
CDC investigates parasite that’s caused cases of ‘explosive’ diarrhea in 18 US states
Parasite cyclospora spreads through produce and water contaminated with feces and causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis
Monroe County Health Department reports multiple cases of parasite-caused intestinal illness
Multiple cases of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by an infection from a parasite, have been reported in Monroe County, according to the county health department.
US health officials are investigating a new outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite
Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak involving the diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
Abdul El-Sayed Is an Epidemiologist Running for Senate. His State Is a Public Health Disaster
Michigan has been at the epicenter of the wildfire smoke and explosive diarrhea outbreaks. The progressive Democrat talks to WIRED about how he would tackle the forces behind them if he’s elected.
Life-threatening virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea at high levels in the U.S., CDC says
Rotavirus is highly contagious, fast-moving and especially dangerous for babies and young children. Doctors worry declining vaccination rates could lead to more hospitalizations.
Taylor Farms recalls lettuce shipped to 27 states over cyclospora risk
Products with the potential to be contaminated with the diarrhea-causing parasite were shipped to 27 states including Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois and New Jersey.
Céline Gounder on cyclospora reporting.
CBS’s Céline Gounder on how the rapid spread of the “diarrhea parasite” is a symptom of Trump’s government cuts—which have stymied access to crucial public health information.
Ohio Department of Health warning spread of ‘explosive’ diarrhea illness
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is warning Ohioans to take precautions as cases of the “explosive” diarrhea illness, Cyclosporiasis, continue to spread throughout the state.
‘Explosive’ diarrhea parasite cases surge as health officials seek source
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis are typically traced back to prepackaged food and fresh produce.