As Cyclosporiasis Cases Rise, What Foods Should You Avoid Eating?
The U.S. is experiencing an unusually high number of cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic infection often linked to contaminated produce. Health officials are investigating potential outbreaks, with early data pointing toward lettuce or salad greens as possible sources.
Why it matters
Public health alerts regarding foodborne illnesses are vital for preventing further infections and identifying contaminated supply chains.
In recent weeks, headlines about an “explosive diarrhea” parasite have been seemingly everywhere, causing widespread concern. Cyclosporiasis typically spreads through contaminated food, and it’s been sickening thousands of people across the United States. The intestinal infection, caused by the cyclospora parasite, isn’t new, and rates typically ramp up in the summer. However, the U.S. is seeing an unusually high number of cases this season, along with mysterious clusters in several regions. On July 14, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a large outbreak affecting four midwestern states — including Michigan, which has recorded over half of all cases in the U.S., per NBC News’ latest tally. The CDC said it is also investigating several potential outbreaks in other states.
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