Food safety is making headlines again as health officials investigate recent Cyclospora outbreaks. While fresh fruits and vegetables remain an essential part of a healthy diet, proper food handling is critical to reducing your risk of food borne illness. In this article, Dr. April Spencer, M.D., explains what Cyclospora is, how it is—and is not—transmitted, the symptoms to recognize, and practical kitchen habits that can help protect you and your family.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine and causes an illness called cyclosporiasis. Unlike bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, Cyclospora is a parasite that typically contaminates fresh produce through water or environmental contamination before it reaches your plate.
How Is Cyclospora Transmitted?
People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water. Fresh leafy greens, lettuce, cilantro, parsley, basil, berries, and other produce have been associated with outbreaks.
How Cyclospora Is Not Transmitted
Cyclospora is generally not spread directly from person to person because the parasite must mature in the environment before it becomes infectious. It is not spread through hugging, handshakes, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure and may include:
• Profuse watery diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
Without treatment, symptoms may last for weeks or longer.
How to Reduce Your Risk
• Wash produce thoroughly under running water.
• Remove and discard the outer leaves of lettuce and cabbage before washing.
• Peel fruits and vegetables when appropriate.
• Refrigerate produce promptly.
• Cook foods when practical.
• Stay informed about FDA and CDC food recalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Cyclospora from another person?
Generally, no. Cyclospora is not typically spread directly from person to person because the parasite must mature in the environment before becoming infectious.
What foods are most commonly linked to Cyclospora?
Fresh produce including leafy greens, lettuce, cilantro, parsley, basil, berries, and other fruits and vegetables have been associated with outbreaks.
Does washing produce completely remove Cyclospora?
Washing under running water helps reduce contamination but may not remove every organism. Removing and discarding the outer leaves of lettuce and cabbage provides an additional layer of protection.
Can cooking kill Cyclospora?
Yes. Thorough cooking destroys the parasite, although many implicated foods are eaten raw.
Who is at greatest risk for severe illness?
Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
Seek medical care if diarrhea is persistent, you become dehydrated, develop severe abdominal pain, have blood in your stool, or have a weakened immune system.
Can Cyclospora be treated?
Yes. Cyclospora infection is usually treated with prescription antibiotics after evaluation by a healthcare professional.
A Physician's Perspective
Food safety is an important part of preventive health. Simple kitchen habits can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness and support lifelong wellness.
Healthy living begins with informed living.
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