WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – As health officials gain insight into the nationwide outbreak of the intestinal illness, cyclosporiasis, data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment show a sharp increase in cases within the Sunflower State.

As of Wednesday, KDHE is reporting 55 cases of the “explosive diarrhea” outbreak for the year, including 25 this month. A breakdown of the Kansas cases shows a balance of cases among males and females. The state data doesn’t break down county-by-county numbers, but on Tuesday, Sedgwick County confirmed five cases for the year, a total that is likely to jump with the additional statewide confirmations.

Also on Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said it identified lettuce and other salad greens as a potential source of the outbreak.

Adding to the concern about produce, Taco Bell issued a statement saying it had “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities,” the restaurant chain said.

Sedgwick County offered guidance on ways to protect yourself from cyclosporiasis and bacterial illnesses connected with produce:

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or preparing them.
  • Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
  • Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
  • Avoid bagged lettuce or salad mixes. When eating a whole head of lettuce, remove the first two or three layers of leaves and thoroughly wash the inner leaves under running water. Separate the leaves as you wash them.
• Heating food to 158 degrees or higher kills the parasite.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
• Travelers to cyclosporiasis-endemic areas should follow food and water precautions, including avoiding foods and beverages that may be contaminated.
• Be aware that Cyclospora is unlikely to be killed by routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods.
• If you develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis, especially persistent watery diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment recommendations.

The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL season hoping to become the first team to earn a Super Bowl three-peat.

Instead, they sputtered to their worst-ever finish during Andy Reid’s 13 seasons in Kansas City.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – As cases climb in the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County provided clarity on the “explosive” diarrheal illness’s impact at the state and local levels.

Data from KDHE shows 22 cases in Kansas. Further localizing cyclosporiasis cases, there are five confirmed cases in Sedgwick County. The county clarified that all five local cases are Sedgwick County residents.

Regarding whether any of the local cases resulted in hospitalization, Sedgwick County said that for privacy reasons it couldn’t provide that information, “due to the small number of cases.”

While questions continue surrounding the outbreak, Health experts announced on Tuesday that lettuce and other salad greens are a potential source.

To protect yourself from cyclosporiasis and bacterial illnesses connected with produce, Sedgwick County offered the following guidance:

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or preparing them.
  • Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
  • Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
  • Avoid bagged lettuce or salad mixes. When eating a whole head of lettuce, remove the first two or three layers of leaves and thoroughly wash the inner leaves under running water. Separate the leaves as you wash them.
• Heating food to 158 degrees or higher kills the parasite.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
• Travelers to cyclosporiasis-endemic areas should follow food and water precautions, including avoiding foods and beverages that may be contaminated.
• Be aware that Cyclospora is unlikely to be killed by routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods.
• If you develop symptoms of cyclosporiasis, especially persistent watery diarrhea, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment recommendations.