(NewsNation) — More than 30 states have reported cases of the "explosive diarrhea" parasite cyclospora, according to the CDC, with several Midwest states facing the brunt of the outbreak.

Here's where the outbreak is hitting states the hardest:

Michigan has reported the most cases of any state. So far, more than 5,000 cases have been reported as of Thursday, according to the state's Health and Human Services department. More than 100 people have been hospitalized.

 Can vinegar kill cyclospora? How to wash produce amid parasite outbreak 

The Detroit area is the hot spot in the state, with Wayne County reporting nearly 600 cases as of Thursday, the state agency reported. To the northwest of Detroit, Oakland County reported just shy of 400 cases.

About 400 cases were also reported in Ingham County, which is home to the state capital, Lansing, and to Michigan State University.

Kentucky is one of the states identified as home to Taco Bell locations where lettuce was served contaminated with the parasite, according to the CDC, along with Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

 Ways to avoid 'explosive' diarrhea-causing parasite 

So far, the Kentucky Department for Public Health has reported 108 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis with seven hospitalizations, according to Louisville Public Media.

Jefferson County, which is home to Louisville, has the most cases, according to LPM.

Health officials have reported 216 cases of cyclosporiasis with 18 hospitalizations, according to NewsNation local affiliate WGN.

"When we look at 200 cases in Illinois, this is the tip of the iceberg, because these are the folks that did seek care. A lot of individuals that develop this either have mild symptoms or it self-resolves," Dr. Alfredo Mane Lora, infectious disease expert at St. Anthony Hospital, told WGN.

Indiana reported 366 cases as of Friday, with the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne areas leading the way with 40 cases, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

 No, you shouldn't try to get the 'diarrhea parasite' 

As of July 2, the state has reported 171 cases in the state with 28 hospitalizations. Lucas County, which includes Toledo, carried the highest number of cases with 30 as of July 2.

Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff encouraged residents to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables earlier this month.

"Fortunately, there have been no deaths in Ohio, as is consistent with our past experiences with this illness," Vanderhoff said in a news release July 2. "Nevertheless, this is a serious illness that can cause dehydration and require people to seek emergency medical care, and it should be taken seriously."

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.