Why is Diarrhea Exploding onto the (News) Scene?
Read Time: 2 min 35 sec | Listen to Podcast | Watch on YouTube
─────── July 18, 2026 ───────
Happy Saturday!
With the cyclospora parasite making its rounds and wreaking havoc on people’s intestines, perhaps you find yourself watching this story like a train wreck, unable to look away. Maybe you’re wondering, “What’s this parasite?” “How’s it making people sick?” and “What can I do to avoid the runs?”
You got questions. We got answers. Let’s get into it. (Prefer to watch? Find our YouTube link below this week’s prayer!)
New here? TPO Explains does a shallow dive into your most-asked questions every Saturday.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“There's a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him.”
J.I. Packer
BREWING QUESTIONS
WHAT YOU’RE ASKING
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is short for Cyclospora cayetanensis, and it’s a teeny (as in only-visible-under-a-microscope small) parasite that lives in human feces (yep, people poop).
When those feces contaminate food (think: fresh produce like lettuce and berries) or water (think: pools, hot tubs, lakes) and people consume it, the Cyclospora sets up shop in their small intestine, causing an illness called cyclosporiasis. Usually, it happens when crops are irrigated with water contaminated by human sewage (or lil’ Johnny goes #2 in his swim trunks)… and that’s where the explosive diarrhea comes in.
What’re the symptoms of cyclosporiasis… besides the diarrhea?
Some people don’t have symptoms.
Others aren’t so lucky. Common symptoms include (in addition to big-time diarrhea): loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms. They don’t usually show up until about a week after being infected and, left untreated, can last for a few days up to a month with a high likelihood of going away and coming back.
If you do think you have symptoms, you should visit your doctor. Cyclosporiasis is typically treated with an antibiotic and lotsa fluids.
How worried should I be?
This current outbreak is pretty widespread, spanning multiple states. Though, if you’re a resident of The Great Lakes State, your risk shoots up, as Michigan seems to be the epicenter.
Still, as uncomfortable and prolonged as the illness is, it’s rarely life-threatening.
How do I avoid it?
The CDC recommends following proper hand and food hygiene (wash up), refrigerating fruits and veggies as soon as possible, and removing bruised areas on produce before eating.
But cyclospora is a resilient bugger, and washing alone doesn’t guarantee removal. State health officials also recommend buying whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-mixed salad bags and cooking veggies whenever possible.
CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
When headlines are about health concerns, it can be easy to feel panicked, but not even our health is outside the Lord’s control. Even if we do everything right, we are still dependent on the Lord to keep us healthy and heal us. We can rest knowing He is in control and our eternity is secure.
“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?”
Matthew 6:25-27 (CSB) (read full passage)
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HOUSE BLEND
WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY
Solving this crossword while you’re in the bathroom.
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WHAT YOU’VE BEAN CLICKING…
Top News Article: Info on the late Lindsey Graham’s sister, who was chosen to finish out the South Carolina Senator’s term.
Top Christian Perspective: An eternal perspective to remember in times dominated by uncertainty and fear. Download and save it here.
Top Whipped Cream: We said it was color matching. Tbh we don’t really know what it was, but ya’ll clicked on it a lot.
TAKE IT TO GO
WHAT WE’RE RECOMMENDING
How We’re Keeping Scripture Part of Our Daily Life
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Take advantage of the DG app, and recenter your rhythms on God.
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WHAT WE’RE PRAYING
A Prayer for Rest
Our Lowly and Humble Lord, we are weary and burdened, for our world is not as it should be. Sin and death still abound, and tragedy and sorrows never seem to cease. Yet You are well-acquainted with our griefs and struggles. Help us remember that today’s bad news is not outside Your knowledge or control. Release us from the burden to fix the world, strengthening us for faithful good works as we trust You to complete Your renewing work.
Giver of the Easy Yoke, quiet us with Your gracious rest before the world gets noisy, busy, and burdensome. Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love that we may walk in Your ways regardless of what news may meet us, knowing this path leads to an even deeper, eternal rest in Your presence. Amen.
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LEARN WITH US
Each week, we do the deep shallow dive so that you don’t have to. We bring what we learn not only to this email, but we sit down and talk about it, too. Check out this week’s episode of TPO Explains... just click on the episode below.
