It Is The Season, Though
Cyclosporiasis infections most often occur when people consume food or water contaminated with feces. The cyclospora parasite is commonly transmitted through contaminated produce.
While lettuce is at the center of the current investigation, no single brand or product has been blamed for all cases. Raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and mesclun lettuce have been linked to previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks — notably one in 1997 that sickened 1,000 people in North America linked to Guatemalan raspberries and a 2019 outbreak linked to Mexican basil that sickened more than 2,400.
How To Handle Produce To reduce the risk of getting sick from cyclospora, the CDC advises:Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. It is important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed.Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.Raspberries require extra care. Rinsing may reduce cyclospora contamination, but it cannot guarantee removal because the berries’ uneven surface can trap the parasite. Place them in a colander and rinse gently under cool running water just before eating.Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.Cooking can kill the parasite. Since washing alone cannot guarantee the parasite’s removal, you can cook produce to a temperature of at least 158 °F (70°C)Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).Leave off raw garnishes and toppings such as cilantro, parsley, salsa, slaw or other uncooked greens, which have been linked to past outbreaks.Avoid precut fruit, salad bars and self-serve toppings, where the source and handling may be harder to verify. If You Have Symptoms
The CDC recommends logging restaurant visits, as symptoms typically manifest about a week following exposure.
These may include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. Some individuals might also experience a low-grade fever, vomiting, headaches, or body aches.
For a faster recovery and to prevent further complications, it is advisable to get a medical evaluation if symptoms persist. Contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen, continue for more than a few days, or if you run the risk of becoming dehydrated.
Dining and Cooking