The recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the United States has made many people wary of eating fresh produce. The diarrhea-inducing intestinal illness is caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora, which is commonly linked to fresh fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens
For many, this has meant a new diet.
With Texas reporting nearly 70 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis and no apparent end to the outbreak, The Dallas Morning Newsasked readers how their eating habits had changed
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One response stood out: Fresh produce is out. At least for now.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak changes eating habits
One Instagram user wrote “I am not eating lettuce anywhere!” Another said “I miss salads!”
Other users shared ways to eat fruits and vegetables while avoiding the parasite.
The method of peeling the skins off fruits, as well as cooking vegetables in high heat, to avoid getting cyclosporiasis has been mentioned in some social media videos. But according to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/prevention/index.html” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent the illness is to “avoid food or water that may be contaminated with feces.”
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One Facebook user who had cyclosporiasis in 2022 described it as “two weeks of hell” and said she does not want a second case.
She also said she has avoided bagged salads and leafy greens since the recent outbreak — apart from Gotham Greens — and she’s avoiding fresh grocery store produce and opting for only peeled fruits, such as oranges and bananas, as well as frozen steamable vegetables.
Gotham Greens, as well as Little Leaf Farms, have released statements saying their products are not impacted by the cyclospora parasite. The companies say they have growing methods designed to prevent contamination and are consistently monitoring the outbreak
The CDC recently said the cyclospora outbreak was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. It has been reported that the lettuce is supplied by Taylor Farms.
More about cyclosporiasis
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora cayetanensis, which primarily affects fresh produce as it can be introduced
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Foods that have been linked to cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the U.S. include raspberries, cilantro, green onions, lettuce and leafy greens. The illness has also been linked to bagged salad mixes containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and carrots, according to the Food and Drug Administration
Cyclosporiasis spreads through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the parasite. It cannot be spread from person to person
Symptoms, which typically begin one to two weeks after exposure, include cramping, loss of appetite and watery, sometimes frequent diarrhea. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to reach out to their healthcare provider and specifically request testing for cyclosporiasis, as it is not something routine tests typically screen for
Texas has lab-confirmed at least 68 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 13, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Officials said there have been 15 hospitalizations due to the illness
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No deaths have been reported, though cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, according to the CDC
