Cyclospora Prevention: What Can You Do?
As the current Cyclospora outbreak continues and reported cases increase, it’s understandable to have questions about how to protect yourself and your family. While you can’t control every potential exposure, there are practical steps you can take to lower your risk. The prevention tips below focus on simple steps and food safety practices that can help you stay healthy and reduce the risk of cyclosporiasis.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that can cause an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. People can become infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Cyclospora is believed to only infect humans, and it spreads when food or water is contaminated with infected human fecal matter (poop). Unlike some stomach bugs, Cyclospora doesn’t usually spread directly from one person to another because the parasite needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in feces to become infectious. Knowing how Cyclospora spreads can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and lower your risk of infection.
Tips to Prevent Cyclosporiasis
- Wash hands. Before and after handling food wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Discard outer layers. When possible, discard outer layer of fruits and vegetables. For example, throw away the outer two to three layers of leafy greens.
- Rinse produce thoroughly. Rinsing produce is an appropriate first step but may not reliably eliminate the parasite. Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under clean running water, including before you peel them. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce. Note that Cyclospora parasites are resistant to standard chlorine-based sanitizers, and it is not recommended to use soap or bleach to rinse produce.
- Be cautious with pre-washed or pre-cut produce. Commercial washing processes may not be sufficient to remove the parasite.
- Avoid cross contamination. Clean kitchen counter tops, cutting boards, utensils, etc. with hot, soapy water.
- Prioritize cooking. For any produce that can be cooked, cooking to a temperature of at least 158 °F (70°C) is the safest option, as the parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection and washing alone cannot guarantee its removal. Cyclospora cannot survive at these elevated temperatures.
Signs and Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis
People experience symptoms of cyclosporiasis about one week (ranging from 2 days – 2 weeks or more) after eating food or drinking water containing Cyclospora. Cyclosporiasis is treatable. A healthcare provider can prescribe the correct antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important to seek care promptly, especially if you are immunocompromised, as longer treatment may be needed. Without treatment, symptoms can last from a few days to a month or longer.
Common symptoms:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Other flu-like symptom