The CDC is warning of an increase in cyclosporiasis cases. Here’s what you need to know:
Cases of cyclosporiasis are increasing across the United States as authorities warn of contaminated produce and symptoms.
Officials are still investigating whether certain foods and produce are contributing to the surge in cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic disease that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.
As of July 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 1,600 cases of cyclosporiasis, but the agency said it is working to confirm more than 5,000 additional infections.
State-by-state data suggests the total number of cases is even higher. In Michigan alone, authorities were tracking more than 2,600 cases as of July 13, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.
According to the CDC, the disease is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is usually spread through contaminated food such as produce or water.
The CDC has not yet determined the cause of the current increase in infections, and there is no evidence that all cases are tied to a single multi-state outbreak. But Michigan officials indicated they were investigating whether lettuce was the source of the outbreak in the state.
As the disease continues to spread, here’s what you need to know about produce and its role in past outbreaks.
Is cyclosporiasis caused by produce? What you need to know about possible sources
According to the CDC, people often contract cyclosporiasis by ingesting water or food contaminated with feces. Cyclospora parasites are often spread through agricultural products.
The CDC has not determined the cause of the current surge, but officials in at least one state have suggested agricultural products may be involved.
Michigan officials announced on July 13 that they were focusing on lettuce as a possible source of the state’s outbreak, but said they had not ruled out other foods.
What foods have been linked to past cyclosporiasis outbreaks?See list
According to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the outbreak tracking website Outbreak Database, the following foods have been linked to past cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States and Canada:
- Bagged salad mixes and kits
- basil
- blackberries
- Carrots/celery
- coriander
- green onion
- green peas
- leaf lettuce
- parsley
- onion
- raspberry
- romaine lettuce
- snow peas
- strawberry
- tomato salad
- zucchini
Should you avoid fresh food? Expert opinion
Experts say there is a link between produce and crossporiasis, so it’s best for people concerned about the disease to be careful about which fruits and vegetables they eat, but there’s no need to write off produce completely.
Dr. Labia de Latour, a gastroenterologist at New York University Langone, said she personally avoids bagged lettuce, cilantro, parsley and raspberries until the source of the infection is determined. Fruits and vegetables with their skins on, such as bananas, oranges and kiwis, are safe to eat as long as they’re washed, she says.
“The reason we have to generalize advice at this point is because we don’t know the source,” de Latour told USA TODAY.
Although cystospermia is not fatal and there are treatments, de Latour warned that the disease could be much worse for immunocompromised people and other vulnerable people.
Joellen Russell, a professor of climate and integrated science at the University of Arizona and co-founder of the nonpartisan group Science Moms, said people need to be especially careful about fresh lettuce and bag salad mixes.
Russell said it depends on where the lettuce and produce was grown, as irrigation water used for fresh produce is likely contaminated in states with high case numbers, such as Michigan.
“My biggest concern is bag salad mixes. They’re usually mixed together, probably from multiple producers. And that can make it even more difficult,” Russell told USA TODAY.
Dr. Kartik Cherrabdi, chief of hospital epidemiology at Tampa General Hospital, stressed that people should be aware, not alarmed.
“Consumers should remember that the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables far outweigh the risks. The emphasis should be on safe handling and preparation,” Cherrabdi said.
How to reduce the risk of cyclosporosis
In addition to potentially avoiding certain foods altogether, you can also take other steps to reduce your risk of contracting cysticercosis, such as cooking fruits and vegetables and immediately refrigerating cooked produce.
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness from produce, the CDC recommends taking the following steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water when handling raw fruits and vegetables.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Fruits and vegetables labeled as “pre-washed” do not need to be washed again at home.
- Scrub hard fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Remove any bruised or damaged parts of fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating them.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.
Contributor: Mary Walrath-Holdridge
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. X Keep up with her at @melinakh and on Instagram @bymelinakhan.
