North Carolina Reports 307 Cyclosporiasis Cases, Hospitalizing 13 as US Total Reaches 1,645

Q: Is washing your lettuce enough to protect you from the parasite causing this nationwide foodborne illness?

No. Washing lettuce helps reduce risk, but health officials say it is not enough to reliably protect against Cyclospora, the parasite behind the current nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak. The parasite is commonly linked to fresh produce and herbs, including lettuce and other salad greens now being examined in parts of this outbreak. Experts say Cyclospora can cling to produce and is not reliably removed by rinsing, even if the lettuce is labeled pre-washed or triple-washed. Routine washing under running water is still recommended, but it cannot guarantee the parasite is gone. The most reliable way to kill Cyclospora is heat. Cooking produce to about 158°F, or 70°C, is considered the surest protection. That is why raw leafy greens are a particular concern during outbreaks. If you are eating lettuce or similar produce raw, risk can be lowered by buying whole heads instead of bagged greens, discarding the outer leaves, separating leaves and rinsing them well, and avoiding damaged produce. Good handwashing and preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen also matter. Anyone with persistent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, or loss of appetite after eating fresh produce should seek medical care. Diagnosis usually requires a specific stool test, and antibiotics can help some patients. Health officials also note the real number of cases is likely higher than confirmed counts because many infections are never tested.

3 articles · Updated · WBTV · Jul 15

307 cyclosporiasis cases were reported in North Carolina from May 1 to July 14, and 13 patients were hospitalized, state health officials said Tuesday.
1,645 lab-confirmed cases have been recorded nationwide across 34 states as of July 13, with North Carolina ranking third behind Michigan and New York; the CDC says the true total is likely higher.
Cyclospora spreads through contaminated food or water and is often linked to herbs and fresh produce; Michigan officials have pointed to lettuce as a possible source in the recent outbreak.
18 cases were reported in Mecklenburg County, and Taco Bell said July 14 it was temporarily pulling some ingredients as a precaution.
Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and can last from days to more than a month, though antibiotics are available and many patients recover without them.