Cyclospora Outbreak: Answers to Your Most Common Questions
As reports of cyclospora infections continue to make headlines across North Carolina and other parts of the country, many people are wondering what the outbreak means for them and how they can protect their families from getting sick.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food and water, causing an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. While health officials continue investigating the current outbreaks, only a limited number of food products have been linked to specific illness clusters to date. Most fresh produce remains safe to eat, and there are practical steps consumers can take to reduce their risk.
We asked NC State Extension food safety expert Ellen Shumaker, director of outreach for the Safe Plates program, to answer some of the most timely and common questions.
What is cyclospora (or is it cyclosporiasis)?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. People infected with cyclospora often experience symptoms involving gastrointestinal issues, including frequent or severe diarrhea.
In short, cyclospora is the parasite and cyclosporiasis is the illness it causes.
Cyclosporiasis has been in the news recently as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 6,000 lab-verified cases from 45 states since May 1. State health departments have reported thousands of additional suspected cases awaiting federal confirmation.
Although cases have been reported across much of the country, health officials are investigating several clusters of illnesses that may involve different sources. Investigators are still working to determine whether these clusters are connected and what caused them.
How do people become infected?
People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with cyclospora. The parasite is spread through human fecal contamination and can be introduced to fresh produce and other foods through contaminated soil or water.
While some individuals may not experience symptoms, most people feel sick about one to two weeks after exposure. Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, frequent or urgent bowel movements, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss, which may last for several weeks if untreated.
Person-to-person spread is uncommon. People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for becoming infected with cyclospora and other foodborne illnesses.
What’s the situation like in North Carolina right now?
North Carolina is among dozens of states experiencing an increase in cyclosporiasis this summer. According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, hundreds of cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in North Carolina since May 1, with the majority occurring in Wake County. State health officials continue investigating the outbreak, but have not identified a definitive source.
Nationally, federal health officials have linked the largest multi-state cluster of cyclosporiasis — concentrated in the Midwest — to iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants. The lettuce was traced to central Mexico and a single supplier, which has voluntarily recalled affected products and removed them from the U.S. market. While the recalled lettuce was distributed to food service establishments in North Carolina, it has not been linked to any of the state’s reported cases.
Because foodborne illness investigations can change quickly as new data emerges, officials advise consumers to remain vigilant and always discard any recalled products or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Check FoodSafety.gov for the latest public health updates, recall details and guidance on what to do.
Are certain foods more commonly linked to cyclospora? Can I still safely eat fresh fruits and vegetables?
Although previous cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to certain fresh produce items, current investigations involve a limited number of products, and state and federal health officials continue working to identify the source of any contaminated foods.
The vast majority of fresh fruits and vegetables have not been associated with this outbreak. Consumers can continue to eat produce items that have not been recalled while following recommended food safety practices. Find the latest recall information and updates on the FDA’s cyclospora investigation.
What food safety steps will help protect against cyclospora?
The most important thing to remember is that washing produce helps, but it does not eliminate cyclospora. To reduce your risk of foodborne illness:
- Rinse and gently rub fruits, vegetables and herbs under running water before peeling, preparing or eating.
Rinsing produce may help reduce the amount of cyclospora, but it will not remove it entirely. Cooking produce to 158°F is the only way to kill cyclospora.
- Remove bruised or damaged areas and outer leaves from leafy vegetables.
- Scrub firm produce such as cucumbers and melons with a clean vegetable brush.
- Do not use soap or commercial produce washes.
- Use separate, clean cutting boards and utensils for raw produce and ready-to-eat foods.
- Separate ready-to-eat food from raw produce during preparation.
- Choose whole produce instead of pre-cut or bagged options when possible.
- Wash your hands before and after handling produce.
- Stay informed as public health officials share updates regarding the outbreak.
Is frozen produce safer?
Because of when they’re harvested and how they’re processed, commercially frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are generally considered lower-risk alternatives during the current outbreak. To date, no cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to commercially frozen or canned produce.
However, freezing fresh produce at home does not kill cyclospora or make it safer. Cyclospora is a very hardy parasite. If contaminated produce is placed in your freezer, the parasite can survive freezing temperatures. Cooking to 158°F — not freezing — is the most reliable way to destroy cyclospora.
Continue to follow all package storage and preparation instructions, and stay up-to-date on FDA recalls.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, explore cyclospora resources from NC State Extension’s Safe Plates program, including food safety guidance for consumers and food businesses:
Stay informed with additional resources and updates from public health officials:
- Cyclosporiasis Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard (N.C. Department of Health and Human Services)
- Cyclosporiasis Overview (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Food Safety Guidance for Growers and Suppliers (Food and Drug Administration)
