A rise in cyclospora cases—a parasite known for causing “explosive diarrhea”—has been observed this summer, with reports coming from 17 states. By June 16, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logged 145 cases of cyclosporiasis among individuals who contracted it in the U.S. Notably, Michigan saw its reported cases jump to 572 in July, a significant increase from 170 cases on June 30, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
So, what exactly is cyclospora? Dr. Steven Goldberg, a chief medical officer at HealthTrackRx, explains, “Cyclospora is a foodborne parasite that gets into people’s bodies, particularly their gut, causing a diarrheal illness.” This troublesome parasite has been found in fresh produce including:
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Snow peas
- Mesclun lettuce
- Spinach
- Salad mixes
- Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
A common trait of these food items is their rough, irregular surfaces, which provide ideal hiding spots for the parasite. It’s important to note that cyclospora doesn’t spread from person to person; it’s primarily transmitted through contaminated food. According to Goldberg, “The way this spreads is from a person having diarrhea and some of that material getting into either food prep or food service.”
Cyclospora infections are seasonal, typically peaking in the spring and summer. The season for cyclosporiasis extends from May 1 to August 31. Since 2013, the FDA has tracked 21 cases tied to cyclospora outbreaks, with fresh herbs and leafy vegetables topping the list of implicated foods.
When it comes to prevention, Goldberg emphasizes that rinsing alone isn’t sufficient. “If you’re going to a farmer’s market or other area and you purchase food, that food requires a more thorough prep process than just soaking in water. It’s best to wash it with a strong water flow and clean it manually,” he advises.
As for symptoms, cyclospora is known for causing particularly severe diarrhea. The CDC lists symptoms to watch out for, including:
- Watery diarrhea (the most common)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Some less common symptoms may include vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, and other flu-like signs. While most cases last just a few days, severe infections may necessitate antibiotics. Goldberg suggests seeking medical attention if you experience a fever, persistent nausea, or difficulty maintaining fluid intake.
To mitigate the risk of cyclospora infections, the CDC recommends:
Wash
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables.
Prepare
- Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Fruits and vegetables labeled “prewashed” don’t require additional washing at home.
- Scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers with a clean brush.
- Remove any damaged or bruised areas before preparation.
Store
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as quickly as possible—ideally within two hours.
There’s no clear evidence of a single multistate outbreak linking all cases. Yet, the CDC notes an uptick in reported instances across the country, suggesting the parasite has recently been identified in domestically grown produce. Goldberg elaborates, “We’re seeing now an acceleration of food-related illness in the United States. We don’t have a single explanation for it. It’s unclear whether it’s from farms or if there are other sources involved.”
