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Parasite causing ‘explosive diarrhea’ not concerning for Pitkin County
By River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
Amid concerns around a national cyclospora outbreak causing explosive diarrhea, Pitkin County Public Health is reassuring residents and visitors that this parasite is nothing new and nothing to be worried about.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 843 confirmed do...
Key takeaway While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 843 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, Colorado has only reported one to 10 of those.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Pitkin County's low risk for cyclosporiasis is a relief for local residents and visitors, especially given the area's reliance on tourism and outdoor activities. The fact that most cases in the county and state are associated with travel suggests that the parasite is not endemic to the Aspen area, which reduces the likelihood of a widespread outbreak. However, the lack of a clear contamination source in the national outbreak is a concern, as it highlights gaps in the country's public health networks and surveillance systems. For Aspen's vibrant food scene, which often features fresh, locally sourced produce, the association of cyclospora with leafy greens and other raw vegetables is a reminder of the importance of proper food handling and preparation. Local restaurants and food establishments should take note of the precautions recommended by Pitkin County Public Health, such as thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, to minimize the risk of transmission.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen 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 .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Amid concerns around a national cyclospora outbreak causing explosive diarrhea, Pitkin County Public Health is reassuring residents and visitors that this parasite is nothing new and nothing to be worried about.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 843 confirmed do...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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