Cyclospora outbreak foods, what CDC data shows
A seasonal rise in Cyclospora infections has been reported across 17 U.S. states, with fresh produce like cilantro and salad mixes identified as primary carriers. Health officials advise thorough manual cleaning of produce to mitigate the risk of this foodborne parasitic illness.
Why it matters
Public health awareness regarding food safety is critical during summer months when parasitic outbreaks are statistically more likely to occur.
The parasite behind “explosive diarrhea” is on the rise, with cases reported in 17 states and produce like parsley, cilantro and salad mixes among the foods to watch.
A parasite that can cause “explosive diarrhea,” cyclospora , is on the rise this summer, with 17 states already reporting cases.
As of June 16, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of 145 cyclosporiasis cases among people who acquired the illness in the United States.
In Michigan, the number of reported cases rose to 572 in July, up from 170 on June 30, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services .
“Cyclospora is a foodborne parasite that gets into people’s bodies, particularly their gut, and causes a diarrheal illness,” said Dr. Steven Goldberg, chief medical officer for HealthTrackRx, an outpatient infectious disease laboratory.
The gut-churning parasite has been found in fresh produce such as:
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