local
How to stay safe and still enjoy produce this summer with the outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite
By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· July 10, 2026
· 4 min read
Scores of people in the United States have been sickened by a parasite commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. But there are ways to protect yourself and still enjoy summer’s bounty of fruits and vegetables.The exact source of one of the nation's lar...
Key takeaway The exact source of one of the nation's largest outbreaks in years of cyclospora infections is still not known.
Why this matters in Sugar Land News
For Sugar Land residents, the cyclospora outbreak is a concern given the city's proximity to a large and diverse food distribution network. As the outbreak investigation continues, locals should be vigilant about food safety, particularly when consuming fresh produce from unknown sources. The fact that cyclospora surges often occur in late spring and summer, when Sugar Land's farmers' markets and outdoor dining scenes are in full swing, adds to the risk. Residents can take steps to protect themselves by washing hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food, and by choosing produce from reputable sources. Sugar Land's health and food safety officials should also be prepared to respond quickly if cases are reported locally, and to provide guidance to restaurants and food vendors on how to handle and prepare produce safely to prevent further spread of the parasite.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Scores of people in the United States have been sickened by a parasite commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea. But there are ways to protect yourself and still enjoy summer’s bounty of fruits and vegetables.The exact source of one of the nation's lar...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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