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- A parasite that causes diarrhea has been detected in 31 states: How to prepare food and what to avoid (businessinsider.com)
A Parasite Outbreak Is Causing Diarrhea in 31 US States: What You Need to Know
Health officials are currently investigating an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness, that has affected 31 states across the country since May 1. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 843 confirmed cases and 86 hospitalizations as of July 9, with an additional 1,500 cases under investigation.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora, which is typically transmitted through food or water contaminated with human feces during growing, harvesting, or processing. While the source of this outbreak remains unknown, previous cases have been linked to fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, green onions, and mesclun lettuce.
Although no product recalls have been issued yet, some Taco Bell locations have reportedly stopped serving certain menu items as a precaution. Efforts to confirm any changes in food safety practices from major restaurant chains and the National Restaurant Association are ongoing.
Preventing Cyclosporiasis: Tips from Health Experts
To reduce the risk of infection during this outbreak, experts recommend avoiding foods that have historically been associated with Cyclospora contamination, including lettuce, raspberries, green onions, and fresh herbs. Thoroughly washing and scrubbing produce is advised, although Cyclospora is known to be sticky and resistant to simple rinsing.
Cooking produce to an internal temperature of at least 158°F effectively kills the parasite, so opting for cooked vegetables over raw may provide additional protection. Standard food safety measures remain crucial, such as washing hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce and regularly cleaning cutting boards and utensils.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery, often explosive diarrhea, which can be accompanied by other signs including loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, body aches, headaches, and low-grade fever. Symptoms typically emerge about a week after exposure, making it difficult to trace sources of infection. While not everyone infected will show symptoms, severe cases can be treated with antibiotics.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and urge anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. Staying informed and practicing careful food handling can help minimize the risk as investigations continue.