Introduction
Acute diarrheal illnesses are a frequent cause of morbidity worldwide, often caused by a wide array of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. In the United States, 2026 has seen a notable surge of two parasitic infections causing watery diarrhea: Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium species. Both parasites are protozoans that infect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to significant illness across varied populations. This article delves into recent epidemiological trends, clinical features, diagnostic challenges, treatment strategies, and preventive measures relating to these outbreaks.
