Dozens of people have been hospitalized as cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, rise across 31 states, according to reports citing health officials.
At least 1,400 people have been sickened in the outbreak, which is tied to Cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite can cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Symptoms may last for days or weeks and can return after appearing to improve.
Investigators have not identified a single food item responsible for the surge. That has complicated public warnings and left consumers without a specific product to avoid. Cyclospora infections are often associated with fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs and berries, but health officials typically need detailed interviews, purchase records and supply chain tracing to connect illnesses to a source.
Why the source can be hard to find
Foodborne outbreaks involving fresh produce can be difficult to solve because items may be eaten raw, mixed into salads or prepared in restaurants, leaving little packaging or leftover food for testing. People also may not become sick until about a week after exposure, making it harder to remember everything they ate.
Cyclospora is spread when people ingest food or water contaminated with feces carrying the parasite. It is not usually transmitted directly from one person to another because the parasite must spend time in the environment before it can infect someone.
The illness is most often diagnosed through a stool test. Doctors may treat confirmed cases with an antibiotic, and people with persistent diarrhea, signs of dehydration or weakened immune systems are urged to seek medical care. Children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions may face higher risk of complications from prolonged diarrhea.
How to reduce risk
Consumers can lower their risk by washing hands before handling food, rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, keeping produce separate from raw meat and poultry, and refrigerating cut produce promptly. Washing can reduce contamination but may not remove all parasites, especially from leafy or textured foods.
Cooking food thoroughly can kill Cyclospora. People who are ill should stay hydrated and avoid preparing food for others while they have diarrhea. Anyone with symptoms that persist for more than a few days, worsen or return after improving should contact a health care provider and mention possible exposure to a foodborne parasite.
Health agencies are expected to continue analyzing reports from state and local departments as they search for common foods, restaurants or distributors linked to the illnesses. Until a source is identified, officials are emphasizing general food safety steps rather than a targeted recall or warning.
Key questions
- What is cyclosporiasis?
- Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite. It can cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite.
- How can people reduce the risk of Cyclospora infection?
- People can reduce risk by washing hands, rinsing produce under running water, separating fresh foods from raw meat, refrigerating cut produce and cooking foods thoroughly when appropriate.
