Cases of cyclosporiasis, the intestinal illness that causes “explosive” diarrhea, are rising sharply in the United States, with more than 3,000 people affected across 31 states
The increase has put the country’s health authorities, doctors, and the public on alert
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According to the Florida Department of Health, around 50 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported since the outbreak began in May
That includes five cases in Miami-Dade and another five cases in Broward
Here’s what we know about what causes the illness—and what you can do to protect yourself
What’s driving the cases?
Health officials still have not identified thet fatal and is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora
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Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it’s unclear whether outbreaks in different states are connected
Tracking down thet sick may not develop symptoms for more than a week, Dianna Blau, acting chief of the CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases, told NBC News
Why are some people being cautious about fruits and vegetables?
Although ayclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce
That’s because Cyclospora parasites can cling to fruits, vegetables, and herbs, making them difficult to remove simply by rinsing with water
Washing them with dish soap isn’t a good idea either, said Janet Buffer, senior manager at George Washington University’s Institute for Food and Nutrition Security. Dish soap can leave residue on the surface of fruits and vegetables and cause stomach upset
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Among fruits, raspberries are especially hard to clean because they’re covered in tiny hairs that the parasite can easily stick to
There is no indication that berries are linked to the current outbreaks. Driscoll’s, the country’s largest berry supplier, told NBC News that health officials have not contacted the company about any connection to the rise in cases
Should you stop eating fruits and vegetables?
Health authorities have not recommended avoiding fruits or vegetables—only being careful about how you clean and prepare them
Donald Schaffner, a food microbiology professor and director of the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University, told NBC News you shouldn’t stop eating fresh fruits and vegetables
“We know fresh produce is part of a healthy diet. We know Cyclospora cases peak between May and August, which is also peak season for eating fresh produce,” he said. “I can tell you I’m not going to change my eating habits.”
So what can you do?
That’s why the main recommendation from several experts, including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is to cook foods
The department even suggests cooking raspberries whenever possible—for example, in pies and jams
Other tips to reduce the risk of cyclosporiasis include:
- Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of washed and bagged lettuce or ready-to-eat mixes. Remove the outer leaves and rinse the rest.
- Separate cilantro and basil leaves and wash them thoroughly under running water.
- Trim scallions by removing the root and outer layer before washing.
What do the CDC recommend for washing fruits and vegetables?
The CDC has a list of recommendations on its website to help prevent this illness when it’s linked to fresh produce:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food.
- Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking them.
- Refrigerate cut or peeled produce as soon as possible (within two hours).
- Fruits and vegetables labeled “pre-washed” do not need to be washed again at home.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An NBC digital editor reviewed the translation
