Cyclospora outbreak foods, what CDC data shows

Key Points:

• Cyclospora, a foodborne parasite causing severe diarrheal illness often described as "explosive diarrhea," is on the rise this summer, with cases reported in 17 U.S. states and a significant increase in Michigan from 170 cases in late June to 572 in July.
• The parasite is commonly found on fresh produce with rough surfaces such as parsley, cilantro, leafy greens, and berries, which allow it to hide in crevices and resist simple rinsing; it spreads through contaminated food rather than person-to-person contact.
• Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, cramping, nausea, and fatigue, with severe cases requiring antibiotic treatment; individuals experiencing persistent symptoms or inability to maintain hydration are advised to seek medical care.
• Preventive measures recommended by the CDC emphasize thorough handwashing, washing and manually scrubbing fresh produce under running water (especially from farmers' markets), avoiding the use of bleach on food, and proper refrigeration of prepared fruits and vegetables.
• Despite no current evidence of a single multistate outbreak, the CDC notes an increasing trend in U.S. cases linked to domestically grown produce, with investigations ongoing to determine the sources of recent food-related cyclospora illnesses.