Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens 145 in 17 States as Doctors Urge Produce Washing

Q: If washing produce isn't enough to remove this parasite, what is the only guaranteed way to stay safe this summer?

If washing fresh produce is not enough, the only guaranteed way to avoid Cyclospora on food is to cook it thoroughly. Health officials say cooking to a safe temperature, about 165°F (74°C), is the surest way to kill the parasite. That matters because Cyclospora can cling to tiny crevices on fruits and vegetables, cannot be seen or tasted, and may survive routine rinsing. Doctors still strongly recommend washing produce under running water, scrubbing firm items, removing outer leaves, and drying them, because washing can reduce contamination even if it does not eliminate all risk. The tradeoff is practical: if you want zero foodborne risk from this parasite, avoid raw produce unless it has been cooked. That is especially relevant for harder-to-clean items such as berries and herbs, which have been linked to past outbreaks. People should also protect themselves by washing hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food, avoiding untreated water, and seeking medical care if they develop prolonged watery diarrhea, cramping, fatigue, or weight loss. Cyclospora is not usually spread person to person, and death is considered very unlikely, but illness can last for weeks without treatment.

3 articles · Updated · Channel3000.com - WISC-TV3 · Jul 7

145 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases were reported from May 1 to June 16 across 17 states, and 20 people were hospitalized.
Doctors said the broader-than-usual outbreak is a reminder to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially berries and leafy produce, before eating.
Cyclospora infections typically rise from May through August, and health officials are still investigating whether the cases share a common source.
Symptoms usually include cramping, abdominal discomfort and watery diarrhea; severe cases can cause weight loss and fatigue, though the illness is rarely fatal and is unlikely to spread person to person.

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Channel3000.com - WISC-TV313h ago

Doctors Urge Produce Washing After Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens 145 Across 17 States

WMSN Fox 47 Madison17h ago

Doctors urge produce washing after diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak sickens 145 people

health.yahoo.com18h ago

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Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Sickens 145 in 17 States as Doctors Urge Produce Washing

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