Clark County Probes 1 Cyclosporiasis Case as 1,644 Fall Ill in 5-State Outbreak

Q: If washing produce isn't enough to kill this parasite, what is the only proven way to make vegetables completely safe to eat?

The only proven way to reliably make vegetables safe from *Cyclospora* is to cook them thoroughly to at least 158°F (70°C). Health officials say washing produce under running water can reduce contamination, but it does not reliably kill or fully remove the parasite. *Cyclospora cayetanensis* can remain on the surface of fresh produce, and common household disinfectants, vinegar washes, or soap are not considered dependable ways to eliminate it. Freezing is also not regarded as a reliable kill step. That is why cyclosporiasis outbreaks are typically tied to raw produce such as lettuce, herbs, berries, and salad greens. Heat is the key control measure: cooking, boiling, baking, or otherwise heating vegetables to 158°F or higher is the only method supported by available evidence to kill the parasite. For people who want to lower risk when eating fresh produce, washing still matters, but it should be paired with safer choices such as peeling produce when possible and avoiding implicated raw items during an outbreak. For complete protection against *Cyclospora* on vegetables, however, cooking is the proven answer.

3 articles · Updated · News3LV · Jul 20

Southern Nevada health officials are investigating whether a Clark County resident's Cyclosporiasis case is tied to the multistate outbreak after the person traveled to two affected states during the likely exposure period.
SNHD said there is no evidence the infection was acquired in Clark County or elsewhere in Nevada, and the resident likely became infected while traveling outside the state.
CDC data show the outbreak has sickened more than 1,644 people in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with 94 hospitalizations and no deaths reported.
Clark County has recorded five cyclosporiasis cases this year, a level officials said matches the usual sporadic pattern and does not indicate increased local transmission.
FDA had previously pointed to a shredded iceberg lettuce supplier and a voluntary recall, but later said the test result was a false positive; that product was not reported to have reached Nevada.