As cyclosporiasis cases rise, consumers are left guessing which foods to avoid

Consumers worried about a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, are turning to social media for advice on what foods to avoid as public health officials have yet to identify the source.The illness can cause long-lasting bouts of explosive diarrhea leading to severe dehydration, particularly in young children, older adults and people who are immunocompromised. Public health experts say it is difficult to dispense safety advice because key details about the outbreak remain unknown, leaving the public largely flying blind when it comes to appropriate health precautions."This isn't a problem consumers can solve," said Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical correspondent and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News.