Tag

Produce Contamination

All articles tagged with #produce contamination

Cyclospora Outbreak Expands to Blueberries, Raspberries, Snow Peas
health1 month ago

Cyclospora Outbreak Expands to Blueberries, Raspberries, Snow Peas

Health officials say the Cyclospora outbreak is expanding beyond lettuce to include blueberries, raspberries, and snow peas, with suspected U.S. cases exceeding 22,000 and two deaths linked to the parasite. Experts warn that washing produce won’t remove Cyclospora and that contamination may involve human fecal material. The FDA and CDC are investigating, and authorities urge consumers to stay informed, follow food-safety guidance, and consider locally grown vegetables to reduce risk.

Cyclosporiasis outbreak widens across 32 U.S. states, led by Michigan
health2 months ago

Cyclosporiasis outbreak widens across 32 U.S. states, led by Michigan

Nearly 3,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in 32 states as of July 10, 2026, with Michigan reporting the most (1,562 cases) followed by New York (470) and Ohio (364); California has 1–10 cases. The CDC says the parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, though no specific source has been identified. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea and related gastrointestinal issues. Treatment is a 10‑day course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and prevention focuses on thoroughly washing produce, trimming damaged parts, refrigerating pre-cut items, and proper hand hygiene.

Cyclospora Surge Expands Across 31 States as Summer Produce Heats Up
health2 months ago

Cyclospora Surge Expands Across 31 States as Summer Produce Heats Up

A surge of cyclosporiasis has sickened more than 3,100 people in 31 states this spring and summer, with Michigan, Ohio, New York, Illinois and North Carolina reporting the highest numbers. The CDC says there is no confirmed single multistate outbreak yet and investigations are ongoing, though many cases are linked to fresh produce contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis. Infections typically cause explosive, watery diarrhea and other GI symptoms, can last weeks, and while most healthy people recover with antibiotics, at least 86 hospitalizations have occurred and true case numbers are likely higher due to underreporting. Officials urge proper handling and washing of produce and cooking when possible; cyclosporiasis season usually runs May–August.

Surging cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts public health warning in US
health2 months ago

Surging cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts public health warning in US

Health officials report a surge of cyclosporiasis across 17 states, led by Michigan’s outbreak near 1,000 cases—the largest in the state’s history—with Ohio and others seeing increases; the Cyclospora parasite spreads via contaminated produce or water, causing watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea and other GI symptoms, usually resolved with antibiotics; the source is under investigation and CDC data may undercount due to reporting lags; prevention centers on thoroughly washing produce (prefer whole lettuce heads) and cooking when possible.

Michigan Faces Largest Cyclosporiasis Spike Yet as Source Eludes Officials
health2 months ago

Michigan Faces Largest Cyclosporiasis Spike Yet as Source Eludes Officials

More than 700 Michiganders have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis since June, with 36 hospitalizations; no single food source has been identified yet, though suspected contaminated produce such as bagged lettuce, basil, or raspberries is being investigated. Cases span at least 35 counties, led by Monroe (173), Washtenaw (95), and Lenawee (86), with Detroit-area counties adding dozens more. Officials emphasize thorough washing of produce and seeking medical care for prolonged diarrhea, as antibiotics can treat the illness.

CDC probes Cyclospora outbreak tied to fresh produce across 18 states
health2 months ago

CDC probes Cyclospora outbreak tied to fresh produce across 18 states

The CDC is investigating a Cyclospora outbreak causing cyclosporiasis with explosive watery diarrhea across 18 states, reporting more than 400 cases and at least 20 hospitalizations; New York, Texas, Illinois and Michigan are hardest hit, with no single multi-state source identified. Exposure is linked to contaminated fresh produce or water, typically peaking May–August. Michigan reports a growing cluster, and New York cases have risen. Health officials are coordinating with the FDA to pursue multiple clusters; most people recover with fluids, while severe cases are treated with antibiotics. Wash all fresh produce and kitchen surfaces thoroughly and report illnesses to local health departments.

Produce-Linked Cyclospora Outbreak Sparks Midwest Health Advisory
health2 months ago

Produce-Linked Cyclospora Outbreak Sparks Midwest Health Advisory

A Cyclospora parasite causing explosive diarrhea is driving a multi-state outbreak in the Midwest, spread through contaminated produce and water. The CDC reports hundreds of domestically acquired cases across more than a dozen states, with Michigan seeing a rapid uptick and outbreaks continuing in Illinois and Wisconsin. Common risky items include raspberries, cilantro, basil, and other delicate greens. Health officials urge thorough washing and standard food-safety practices; symptoms can last days to weeks and may require treatment. As of mid-June, about 190 U.S. cases (145 domestically acquired, 45 travel-related) and roughly 20 hospitalizations have been reported, with investigations ongoing to identify a source.