Health officials in Wisconsin are encouraging people to be more proactive when it comes to washing their hands and fresh produce as an intestinal illness spreads across the Midwest. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting nearly 40 cases of an intestinal illness linked to Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite often spread through contaminated food and water. Seventeen states have reported cases of Cyclospora cayetanensis, including Illinois and Michigan. Wisconsin officials have reported 35 cases, already more than half of the 62 cases recorded during all of 2025.

While "explosive diarrhea" has drawn most of the headlines, other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. Medical professionals reccommend washing your handsand cleaning off your fruits and vegetables while discarding parts that look compromised.

The silver lining is that most of the cases have involved people who recently returned from international travel. Of the nearly 40 cases reported in Wisconsin, only 10 have not been linked to travel.