Protect Yourself from Cyclospora: Expert Advice and Updates on the Outbreak

The cyclospora outbreak has been making headlines this summer, with cases reported in at least 34 states across the US. The disease, caused by a microscopic parasite, can lead to symptoms including explosive diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Despite the alarming headlines, food safety experts at Consumer Reports advise that there is no need to avoid fruits and vegetables entirely, but rather to take basic precautions to minimize the risk of infection.

According to James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety at Consumer Reports, 'You can and should continue to eat fruits and vegetables.' He adds that individuals should take basic precautions, such as choosing whole heads of lettuce over pre-chopped salad mixes, and opting for cooked greens over raw. This approach is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to avoid cross-contamination when preparing and consuming raw fruits and vegetables.

The recent spike in cyclosporiasis cases appears to be largely driven by outbreaks in a handful of states, including Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. In Michigan alone, over 3,300 cases have been reported, with 44 people hospitalized. Despite these high numbers, the CDC and FDA have yet to identify a single source of the outbreak, and different foods may be involved.

'We are not seeing an increase in cases over what we would expect for this time of year, and we have not identified any outbreaks,' says Amy Barrett, spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Health. In contrast, New York and Illinois have reported higher-than-average case numbers, but health officials in these states have indicated that they cannot confirm whether these cases are linked to the outbreaks in Michigan and Ohio.

So, how can you protect yourself from cyclosporiasis? The CDC and FDA recommend washing your hands and any fruits and vegetables with soap and water before consuming them. You should also scrub firmer foods like melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush before slicing into them. In addition, considering cooking your fruits and vegetables can further reduce the risk of infection.

This approach is in line with previous outbreaks linked to contaminated raspberries, fresh herbs, and leafy greens. A study published in 2021 found that washing raspberries with vinegar and tap water improved removal rates of the cyclospora parasite, but even this method failed to remove all of the parasite. While cooking your fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of infection, it is not a guarantee against illness.

It's worth noting that cyclospora appears to be more difficult to remove from some foods than other parasites. A small-scale study published in 2021 found that a combination of washing and salad spinning methods only removed a small percentage of the parasite from raspberries. This highlights the importance of taking multiple steps to minimize the risk of infection.

While the current outbreak is concerning, it's essential to put it into context. Cyclosporiasis is a disease that typically affects individuals with compromised immune systems, such as young children and older adults. These individuals may want to take additional precautions, such as cooking their fruits and vegetables, or avoiding raw produce altogether.

Ultimately, protecting yourself from cyclosporiasis requires a combination of awareness, education, and basic precautions. By following the recommendations outlined above, you can minimize your risk of infection and enjoy a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Additional steps you can take to reduce your risk of cyclosporiasis include staying informed about local outbreaks and food recalls, and supporting efforts to improve food safety in your community. By working together, we can prevent future outbreaks and ensure a safer food supply for everyone.

Contact your local health department or a trusted healthcare provider for more information on how to protect yourself from cyclosporiasis. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest updates and recommendations on the outbreak.

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To reduce your risk of cyclosporiasis, consider the following additional tips:

• Wash your produce thoroughly under running water before consuming it
• Scrub firmer foods like melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush before slicing into them
• Cook your fruits and vegetables when possible to reduce the risk of infection
• Support local farmers and producers who prioritize food safety and sustainable practices
• Stay informed about local outbreaks and food recalls