Health officials advise extra produce safety measures amid multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak
Thousands of people in 34 states have been infected with the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, prompting public-health agencies to recommend thorough washing, cooking and safe handling of fresh produce.
Health authorities say a parasitic disease called cyclosporiasis is causing prolonged diarrhea in thousands of people across 34 states. While no single source has been pinpointed, investigators in Michigan, where more than 3,700 cases have been reported, are examining leafy greens and have asked Taco Bell locations to stop selling lettuce, cilantro, onion, pico de gallo and guacamole pending a recall.
The California Department of Public Health noted 41 cases in the state from January to June, a figure within its normal annual range, and emphasized that most California cases are acquired abroad. Experts warned that the outbreak underscores the need for stricter food-handling practices nationwide.
Past U.S. outbreaks have been linked to imported produce such as raspberries, cilantro, basil, snow peas and mixed salads. To reduce infection risk, officials recommend washing hands before handling produce, rinsing all fruits and vegetables under running water, discarding outer lettuce leaves, and cooking vegetables and herbs when feasible, especially for children, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. They also advise using clean cutting boards, separating ready-to-eat foods from raw produce, refrigerating cut or peeled items within two hours, and avoiding potentially contaminated water while traveling.
Britanny Saunier of the Partnership for Food Safety Education said all produce should be rinsed, with firm-skinned items scrubbed with a brush. She cautioned that FDA does not endorse commercial “produce washes” because their safety has not been evaluated. Dr. Norman Beatty of the University of Florida explained that the parasite’s tough outer shell makes it resistant to typical disinfectants, and washing alone may not fully remove it.
Given the uncertainty about the exact source, some experts suggest limiting bagged leafy greens until more information is available, while others note that cooking packaged spinach can lower risk. The outbreak will likely subside once investigators identify the contaminated product and issue a targeted recall, according to associate professor Dana Mordue of New York Medical College.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea lasting up to a week, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping, nausea and fatigue. Individuals experiencing severe diarrhea or fatigue are advised to seek medical attention.