Cyclospora Outbreak: People typically catch Cyclospora by consuming raw, contaminated produce or water. Over 3,000 people in more than 30 US states have contracted cyclosporiasis. According to cdc.gov, “Since May 1, 2026, CDC has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 5,100 cases that require further analysis to confirm the illness as domestically acquired cyclosporiasis.”
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite which leads to a condition known as cyclosporiasis, an infection of the intestines. The parasite is transmitted by consuming foods or beverages which have been infected by the pathogen, mainly vegetables which have been contaminated through washing, handling, or irrigation using water containing the infection.
What Are The Symptoms of Cyclospora?
Diarrhoea is the most significant symptom of the condition. However, it can also be accompanied by cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, lack of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and fever at times. Symptoms may take between 2 days and up to 2 weeks to manifest after being infected with the infection, although they normally appear within a week from contamination. Symptoms can recur and may persist for weeks, according to cdc.gov.
Foods To Avoid:
Taking to her Instagram, Dr Wendi, a gastroenterologist and a social media educator who goes by the username of @socalgastrodoc on Instagram, listed numerous foods that she is eating and avoiding amid the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak.
Foods To Eat During Cyclospora Outbreak
- Roasted Veggies
- Veg In Soups, Stews And Curries
- Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes
- Cooked Apples
- Cooked Berries
- Bananas
- Watermelon
- Cooked Peas And Edamame
- Dried Herbs
Foods To Avoid During Cyclospora Outbreak
- Bagged Lettuce, Spinach + Kale
- Fresh Herbs
- Fresh Berries
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Premade Salads
- Salad Bars
- Raw Veggies Grapes
- Premade Salsa + Guacamole
Should You Completely Avoid All Fruits and Vegetables During the Cyclospora Outbreak?
According to a gastroenterologist, “None of this is a reason to fear fruit and vegetables; just cook them a little more intentionally for a few weeks until we get more info. Share with your friends and family.” She added, “Cook it or peel it. Heat is the only reliable kill step, so cooked veg, soups, and curries are all still on my plate, along with fruit I can peel.”
Stay Mindful, Stay Safe
Lastly, during the outbreak of cyclospora infection, the best strategy would be to mindfully consume all types of foods, because there is a chance they might have come into contact with water infected with the parasite. This includes salads, leafy green vegetables, raw vegetables and also cut fruits which you have not peeled yourself.
Do not consume any form of unpasteurized milk or milk products, unsealed beverages, ice which has been made using contaminated water or anything which might have come into contact with contaminated water. According to travel advisories, it is wise to consume only properly cooked food items, peeled fruits like bananas and oranges and safe and sealed bottled water.
Hand washing using soap and safe water, along with drinking only safe and sealed water and avoiding any raw produce of uncertain source to avoid the risk of contamination. Lastly, it is important to be mindful enough to know that this article is not a substitute for medical advice.