The recent surge in cyclosporiasis cases across the United States has sparked concern among health officials and the public alike. This intestinal infection, caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, has been linked to a variety of foods, including shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell and supplied by Taylor Farms from central Mexico. As of early August, cases have been reported in 47 states, with 10,468 laboratory-confirmed cases and 12,255 probable cases under investigation. The outbreak has led to 517 hospitalizations and two deaths, both in Michigan, where the state has reported the highest number of cases. The true number of infections is likely higher, as many people recover on their own and never get tested.
The parasite is not new, and cases typically increase in the summer in the U.S. It infects the small intestine, causing severe bowel upset, including watery and sometimes "explosive" diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, and fatigue. While person-to-person spread is very unlikely, the parasite can be contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with particles of feces from an infected person. Cyclospora can get into produce if it's grown in soil or washed with water contaminated with feces, making fresh fruits and vegetables common culprits.
The outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce, but other sources may also be contributing to the surge in cases. Food safety experts suspect there are multiple sources fueling outbreaks nationwide, including salad greens, cilantro, basil, raspberries, green onions, and snow peas. The incubation period for cyclosporiasis is long, and symptoms may not appear for up to 14 days, making it challenging to track and confirm cases.
Health officials are urging people not to panic, emphasizing that almost all servings of fresh fruits and vegetables are not linked to the outbreak and are not any more likely to cause illness. Cooking food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit or freezing can inactivate cyclospora, but washing produce thoroughly can reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Health authorities have offered tips to prevent infection, including washing hands with soap and hot water before and after handling raw produce, scrubbing vegetables and fruits with a produce brush under clean, running water, and removing damaged areas of produce before eating.
Despite the outbreak, experts emphasize that fresh produce is part of a healthy diet and encourage people to stay up to date on recalls and food safety alerts. The key to preventing cyclosporiasis is to avoid food and water that may be contaminated with feces, and to take extra precautions if you have a weakened immune system.
