Utah Cyclospora Cases Unrelated to Nationwide Outbreak, Officials Advise Caution
State health officials say Utah's Cyclospora infections are not linked to the larger U.S. outbreak and advise consumers to practice standard food safety measures.
Utah health authorities have confirmed a handful of Cyclospora infections but say none are connected to the broader outbreak affecting other states. The parasite, which can cause prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, has raised consumer concerns about the safety of fresh produce.
Pharmacist and health educator Phil Cowley told reporters that locally grown produce is "highly unlikely" to be contaminated. He explained that the organism forms a protective gel coating that makes ordinary washing, bleaching, or soap ineffective, and that cooking or thorough scrubbing remains the best precaution.
"If you bleach your food, it doesn't help. Baking soda, it doesn't help. Soap doesn't help because all you're doing is making that mucus activate," Cowley said.
Some Salt Lake City residents said the news prompted them to discard packaged salads or avoid leafy greens, while others reported no change in their habits. Health experts recommend anyone experiencing diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or similar symptoms seek medical advice and, if diagnosed, undergo a short course of antibiotics.
"I would just get on an InstaCare or telehealth and start an antibiotic. Three or four days of the antibiotic, and it goes away quickly," Cowley added.
Officials continue to urge standard food safety practices, such as thorough cleaning and cooking when possible, but emphasize that there is no need for alarm regarding Utah-grown produce.