What to know about eating at home, dining out

Key Points:

• A cyclospora parasite outbreak causing severe diarrhea has led to over 1,000 confirmed cases nationwide, with Illinois reporting 216 cases, complicating food safety concerns related to fresh produce, especially leafy greens.
• The parasite spreads via fecal contamination, often through produce washed or grown with contaminated water, making it difficult to fully wash off from foods like berries, leafy greens, and broccoli.
• Health experts recommend high-risk individuals avoid fast food and opt for cooked vegetables or produce with protective skins, while others should inquire about the source of restaurant produce and consider buying from local farmers markets.
• Tracking the outbreak is challenging due to reduced federal food pathogen monitoring and the parasite’s long incubation period, hindering identification of a specific contaminated source.
• Treatment for cyclospora is available and symptoms usually resolve on their own, but individuals with severe symptoms or weakened immune systems should seek medical care; experts advise cautious but balanced consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.