Cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to fresh produce expands to Arizona and beyond

Health officials say a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to fresh produce is expanding, with Arizona reporting 10 cases as dozens of states investigate. Symptoms can last weeks and include explosive diarrhea, nausea and loss of appetite; the infection is treatable with antibiotics. The CDC notes hundreds of confirmed cases and many more awaiting confirmation, likely tied to imported fruits and vegetables. Contamination can occur at multiple points in the farm-to-fork chain, and handwashing with soap and water remains essential, though the produce is not to be avoided altogether accepted—just properly handled and, when possible, cooked.