The fast-moving stomach parasite Cyclospora is rapidly spreading across the country, sickening thousands of Americans across more than 30 states.
The parasite causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis, which commonly triggers watery or explosive diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach cramps or pain, bloating, and increased gas, to name a few.
Of the 31 states tracking infections, Michigan remains the hardest hit, with health officials logging more than 1,500 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 10.
Over a dozen hospitalizations have been reported since the outbreak began, with symptoms typically lasting anywhere from a few days to a month or longer if left untreated.
While Cyclospora is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, the US faces domestic foodborne outbreaks almost every year, typically driven by imported fresh produce.
This has left state and federal agencies monitoring the situation while performing traceback investigations across regional clusters to identify potential sources of contamination.
As infections continue to spread, let’s break down the key steps you can take to help protect yourself from contracting Cyclospora this summer.
Food safety guidelines:
According to standard public health guidelines:
- Avoid pre-cut salad kits or vegetables: Select whole heads of lettuce or intact herbs rather than pre-cut, bagged salad mixes, which present much higher cross-contamination risks at processing facilities.
- Strip outer foliage: Remove and discard the outer two to three leaves of leafy greens before prepping or consuming.
- Wash all produce under water: Thoroughly rinse fresh berries, cilantro, and basil under pressurized, clean tap water—static soaking in a bowl will not remove it.
- Scrub firm produce: Use a clean produce brush to vigorously wash the rinds of melons, cucumbers, and tomatoes under running water before cutting into them.
- Apply heat: Cook your vegetables when possible. Applying high heat is the most reliable way to destroy the microscopic organism.
- Sanitize kitchen gear: Wash cutting boards, knives, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing raw fruits and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination to other items.
Within the US, the CDC has linked previous seasonal outbreaks to imported produce including:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Mesclun lettuce
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
The CDC officially considers May 1 through August 31 to be peak cyclosporiasis season, as case counts naturally swell during the spring and summer months.
