Health officials offer Cyclospora prevention tips as outbreak grows

Source of Cyclospora outbreak remains unidentified

As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigates an unusual spike in Cyclospora cases, health officials are emphasizing basic hygiene and produce-handling steps to reduce infection risk.

The microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis causes an intestinal infection known as cyclosporiasis, marked by watery diarrhea that can persist for weeks. The outbreak has affected people across multiple states, with the hardest-hit areas including New York, Texas, Illinois and Michigan, according to prior Associated Press and MSI reporting.

The source of the contamination remains unknown. Investigators have noted that figuring out what food sick people had in common is difficult because a single ingredient may appear in many different dishes, making it hard to identify the contaminated item.

Health officials offer several practical measures to lower risk. The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables. All fresh produce should be rinsed thoroughly under running water before consumption.

For firm-skinned items such as melons and cucumbers, officials advise scrubbing the surface with a clean produce brush. Green onions and similar vegetables should have their root ends trimmed and outer layers removed before being washed thoroughly.

Cooking fruits and vegetables kills the Cyclospora parasite, public health experts note. Infections that do occur are generally treatable with antibiotics and rarely lead to severe complications, according to the AP.

The outbreak is occurring during the peak seasonal months of May through August, when fresh produce consumption is highest.

As the investigation continues, health officials urge consumers not to avoid fresh produce altogether but to follow safe handling practices to enjoy summer fruits and vegetables safely.