Illinois sees rise in cyclospora cases, experts advise cautious produce handling
Health officials report over 200 cyclospora infections in Illinois and urge consumers to wash produce thoroughly, prefer cooked vegetables, and consider local or peeled options while investigations continue.
Illinois health authorities have recorded 216 cases of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, with roughly half acquired domestically. The Illinois Department of Public Health said no single source has been identified and that it is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor trends.
Emily Landon, executive medical director of infection prevention at UChicago Medicine, recommended that individuals with compromised immune systems be especially careful with fresh produce, whether eaten at home or in restaurants. She suggested choosing foods that can be peeled or cooked to at least 158 °F, and washing all fruits and vegetables under running water, using a clean brush for firm produce.
Bethany Doerfler, a senior clinical research dietitian at Northwestern Medicine, advised high-risk diners to opt for cooked vegetables and to ask restaurants about the source of their lettuce and other greens. She noted that locally sourced or hydroponically grown microgreens may carry lower risk than mass-produced leafy vegetables.
The department also warned that items such as bagged lettuce, arugula, and raspberries are difficult to clean thoroughly and may be best avoided or washed meticulously. Consumers are encouraged to purchase whole heads of lettuce, discard outer leaves, and consider peeled produce like avocados or sweet potatoes.
Emergency-medicine physician Georgios Filiadis highlighted that cyclospora thrives in heat and humidity, recommending proper refrigeration of foods at outdoor gatherings and noting that cooking is the only reliable method to kill the parasite.
While no specific outbreak source has been pinpointed, federal and state investigators are reviewing whether fast-food chains, including some Taco Bell locations, may be linked to the increase. Health officials emphasized that the parasite is not fatal, symptoms usually resolve on their own, and treatment is available for severe cases.