What Experts Recommend to Prevent Cyclosporiasis Infection

Cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora, is having an unusual surge right now. There have been more than 4,000 reported cases and 80 hospitalizations in more than 30 states so far. That number is largely driven by particular spikes in a few states, namely Michigan — which accounts for upward of 3,300 cases — Ohio and New York.

The parasite typically spreads when traces of infected human feces make their way into a water source that is used to irrigate or clean produce, which people then eat, said Don Stoeckel, an environmental biologist and special projects lead at Cornell Produce Safety Alliance. The resulting infection can cause frequent watery or explosive bouts of diarrhea. Cyclospora is not endemic in the U.S., "so outbreaks here have historically been related to produce imported from countries where cyclospora is common in the population," Stoeckel said.

As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not identified a type of produce or produce grower responsible for the outbreak, largely because of the days-long lag between when people are infected and when symptoms arise. So, tracking down a source hinges on people remembering exactly what they ate for up to two weeks before they got sick. Health officials are investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants have played a role in the outbreak, The Washington Post reported.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.