Cyclospora Outbreak: What Bay Area Residents Need to Know This Summer
America is facing a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak caused by a tiny parasite that triggers prolonged watery diarrhea. With 1,645 confirmed domestic cases and 5,000+ still awaiting confirmation, Michigan has the largest surge; California currently reports 1–10 cases, most travel-related. Symptoms typically appear 1–2 weeks after contaminated food is eaten, and a 7–10 day course of antibiotics is effective; sources are under investigation, but contaminated produce such as leafy greens, lettuce, and berries are suspected. To reduce risk, wash produce thoroughly (vinegar rinses can help), cook produce when feasible, and practice good hand hygiene. There is no human-to-human transmission, and about 141 people have been hospitalized nationwide; surveillance funding cuts are hindering outbreak tracking.
- Cyclosporiasis and the Bay Area: What to Know About the ‘Explosive Diarrhea’ Parasite Surging in the US KQED
- Cyclosporiasis Outbreak with Unknown Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)
- Worried about the diarrhea outbreak? Here's what foods are under scrutiny Axios
- Outbreak of diarrhea from parasite expands to more states as US cases soar beyond last year’s level CNN
- ‘Lettuce or Salad Greens’ Identified as Potential Source of Cyclospora Outbreak The New York Times
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