Explosive Diarrhea Parasite In Missouri
By thom·July 9, 2026
The “explosive diarrhea parasite” has officially made it to Missouri. Love that for us. And when major fast food outlets start pulling menu items you know it’s serious.
Not to ruin your day, but there’s a parasite making the rounds in at least 20 states that’s causing people to make some very urgent “life choices.”
It’s called Cyclospora, and it’s already hit nearly a thousand people nationwide. And now this just got a little more “close to home” than anyone wanted—Missouri is on the list.
Missouri Epidemiologist Nathan Kofarnus says “we do have cases of cyclosporiasis, but right now they’re either under investigation or linked to international travels.” He adds investigators are looking at a contaminated food product as a factor.
Symptoms? Think appetite loss, bloating, fatigue… and let’s just say you won’t want to be far from a bathroom. A growing number of people have even been hospitalized.
Health officials say it’s showing up in fresh produce, prompting Taco Bell to shift their menu, quietly pulling things like lettuce, pico, and guac from some locations. So if your taco order feels a little… minimalist, now you know why.
Long story short: maybe give that salad a second look—and a really good rinse. Or just fully shift to the carnivore diet.
More links to news on these unwelcome “Show Me State” visitors HERE!
Details on the Taco Bell menu shift HERE!
Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash