Pitt epidemiologist explains cyclosporiasis outbreak and how to handle produce safely

Pitt epidemiologist Lee Harrison explains the cyclosporiasis outbreak caused by Cyclospora in contaminated produce, noting that tracing is difficult because Cyclospora cannot be cultured and has a two-day to two-week incubation, so investigators rely on detailed two-week dietary recalls and backtracking to farms. Lettuce and other greens are leading suspects as samples are collected to link cases. Preventive steps include washing produce with water (not soap), removing outer lettuce leaves, and avoiding bagged mixes; cooking kills the parasite, though salads aren’t cooked. The illness is rarely fatal and treatable with antibiotics, with health departments coordinating testing and case linkages.