As Cyclosporiasis Cases Rise, What Foods Should You Avoid Eating?

Key Points:

• Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite, is causing an unusual surge in cases across the U.S., with over 5,000 reported infections and Michigan accounting for more than half of them.
• The parasite spreads through contaminated food or water, often linked to fresh produce such as lettuce or salad greens, though investigations are ongoing and no single source has been confirmed.
• Symptoms include severe, watery diarrhea that can last weeks, and while typically not life-threatening, the infection requires antibiotic treatment for effective recovery.
• Health officials recommend precautions like thoroughly washing produce, cooking greens to at least 158°F, and avoiding pre-washed packaged salad greens in affected areas, but emphasize that most fresh fruits and vegetables remain safe to consume.
• Tracking Cyclospora outbreaks is challenging due to its long incubation period and testing limitations, and public health agencies continue to investigate multiple potential sources, including water contamination.