Updated

Updated · WOAI · Jul 7

Texas Reports 11-30 Cyclosporiasis Cases as Summer Produce-Borne Parasite Spreads

Updated

Updated · WOAI · Jul 7

Texas Reports 11-30 Cyclosporiasis Cases as Summer Produce-Borne Parasite Spreads

Q: Washing produce might not stop this stomach parasite. What is the only guaranteed way to stay safe this summer?

The only guaranteed way to avoid foodborne Cyclospora is to eat produce only after it has been thoroughly cooked. Health officials say washing fruits and vegetables can lower the risk, but it does not reliably remove or kill the parasite. Cyclospora is microscopic, can cling to crevices on fresh produce, and is resistant to routine disinfectants and produce washes. That is why raw items such as berries, herbs, and leafy greens remain a risk if they are contaminated. Heat is what reliably destroys the parasite. Thorough cooking, baking, or boiling food is the consumer-level step that experts say works. For produce normally eaten raw, there is no guaranteed at-home method to make it safe other than avoiding it if it is tied to an outbreak or if you are especially vulnerable to complications. Texas and CDC officials are urging caution because cases typically rise in summer, when fresh produce consumption increases. Anyone with severe or persistent diarrhea, especially young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, should seek medical care.

1 articles · Updated · WOAI · Jul 7

Texas has logged 11 to 30 cyclosporiasis cases so far in 2026, with health officials warning the true count is likely higher.
Contaminated fresh produce or water typically spreads the parasite, and the CDC says it does not usually pass from person to person.
About 1 week after exposure, symptoms can include severe prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite; young children, older adults and immunocompromised people face higher complication risks.
Texas already sent doctors an advisory earlier this summer because cases often peak from May through August, and officials urge anyone with severe or persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days to seek care.
Washing fruits and vegetables can lower risk but does not fully eliminate it, underscoring the seasonal food-safety concern.