Cyclosporiasis infections pass 2,000 as U.S. health officials search for contamination source

Health officials are tracking a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak that has infected approximately 2,000 people across 31 states, including at least 30 cases in Connecticut and others in Arizona and California. The parasite, which causes intestinal illness, is typically spread through contaminated fresh produce or water, and investigators have yet to pinpoint the specific source of the current outbreak, according to citizenportal.ai.

citizenportal.aiCDC reports 2,000 cyclosporiasis cases nationwide, including 30 in Connecticut; officials urge produce safety

Cyclospora is generally spread by consuming contaminated fresh produce or water.

oregonliveCyclosporiasis outbreak now in 31 states: List of foods to avoid

This mode of transmission has led experts to urge consumers to wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. The advice is especially critical given that the outbreak has now been confirmed in more than half of U.S. states, with new cases continuing to be reported, KJZZ reported.

KJZZHealth experts urge consumers to wash produce before eating it as Cyclosporaisis cases emerge

The source of the current cyclosporiasis infection outbreak has not been identified, but the CDC says in the past, cases of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce.

LIVENOWFOXCDC: Cyclosporiasis occurs in many countries, past US cases linked to imported produce

Past U.S. outbreaks have been tied to a range of imported items, including bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas, green onions, and scallions. The CDC notes that cyclosporiasis is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, meaning imported produce is often implicated, LIVENOWFOX reported.

In Connecticut, a state senator has joined health officials in calling for the public to carefully wash produce as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the CDC advises that thoroughly rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water can reduce the risk of infection, though no prevention method is 100% effective. KTVU FOX 2 emphasized that consumers should also consider cooking produce when possible to kill the parasite. The outbreak serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in monitoring the safety of the global food supply, as noted by masslive and syracuse.

3 sources

massliveCyclosporiasis outbreak now in 31 states: List of foods to avoidsyracuseCyclosporiasis outbreak now in 31 states: List of foods to avoidKTVU FOX 2Cyclosporiasis outbreak: How to protect yourself from contaminated foods