RED BLUFF, Calif. – Authorities in over 31 states, including California, are currently looking into a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, which has become the largest of its kind in U.S. history. The Tehama County Health Services Agency reports that this illness is caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora.
At present, there have been over 3,000 reported cases. Normally, the U.S. has around 3,000 to 4,000 cases in a year, so this outbreak has already met that average.
The parasite spreads when people eat contaminated food or drink tainted water. Contamination often happens when infected individuals, who may not wash their hands properly, handle food.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually include sudden, watery diarrhea, and may also involve nausea, bloating, and gas. The parasite can stay on fresh produce, protected by a shell that remains even after washing.
Health officials suggest that the actual number of cases might be much higher, as many people recover without seeking medical help. Unlike norovirus, Cyclospora doesn’t spread easily from person to person; it requires 1 to 2 weeks in the environment to become infectious after leaving the body.
The outbreak is growing as health investigators have yet to pinpoint the contaminated food source. They are interviewing patients about their meals from the past 10 days, which has proven challenging.
Hundreds of interviews have already been conducted, and without identifying a common source, more illnesses could arise. Preliminary thoughts suggest the contamination might have happened on farms due to tainted irrigation water, or during the washing and processing of fresh produce.
Past cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S. are often traced back to imported fresh produce. While it’s not necessary to avoid fruits and vegetables altogether, taking some simple precautions can help. Always wash your hands before and after handling fresh produce.
Experts recommend rinsing all fruits and vegetables under running water before consuming or preparing them. Removing outer leaves from leafy greens and scrubbing firm produce with a clean brush can also reduce the risk.
It might be wise to avoid bagged or pre-packaged salads until the source is identified. If you choose to consume them, make sure to wash the contents well. To prevent cross-contamination, use clean utensils and keep ready-to-eat foods separate from raw produce. Remember to refrigerate any cut fruits and vegetables within 2 hours.
People who are especially vulnerable—like older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems—should cook vegetables and herbs whenever possible. Though washing produce helps, cooking it remains the best way to protect against the parasite.
When traveling to areas where food and water may be unsafe, be cautious and avoid potentially contaminated sources. If diarrhea lasts more than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice.
For severe cases, antibiotics such as Bactrim can be effective, even as symptoms may persist for weeks. If public health officials contact you for an interview, participating can aid in identifying the outbreak source and protecting others.
The parasite is too small to see or smell, and deaths are rare; most individuals recover. As of now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 86 hospitalizations but no fatalities linked to this outbreak.
Vulnerable groups are at greater risk for dehydration and may experience symptoms longer, so seeking help promptly is crucial. It’s important to note that over-the-counter parasite cleanses do not eliminate Cyclospora from produce.
For further information, contact the Tehama County Health Services Agency – Public Health Division at (530) 527-6824.
