WASHINGTON — U.S. health officials are urging consumers to follow food safety guidance as investigators work to identify the source of a multistate Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened more than 1,600 people and prompted heightened caution over salads and other fresh produce.
The outbreak, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has resulted in 1,645 confirmed infections since early May, with thousands of additional suspected cases under investigation, according to public health officials. Federal and state agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are tracing potential food sources but have not identified a single product or supplier responsible for the illnesses.
Cyclospora infections, known as cyclosporiasis, typically cause prolonged watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Symptoms may persist for weeks without treatment, and some patients require hospitalization because of dehydration, health experts said.
Health authorities have advised consumers not to stop eating fresh fruits and vegetables altogether but to reduce risk by washing produce thoroughly under running water, cleaning food preparation surfaces and cooking foods when practical. Officials noted that washing may lower contamination but may not completely eliminate the parasite if produce became contaminated before harvest.
The investigation has drawn attention to leafy greens and prepared salads because many infected people reported eating them before becoming ill. However, authorities emphasized that no blanket advisory has been issued against lettuce or salad consumption and cautioned against assuming any specific food is responsible until laboratory and traceback investigations are completed.
The FDA said it has active Cyclospora investigations involving products that have not yet been identified and is conducting sampling and supply-chain tracing with state and federal partners. The CDC said Cyclospora outbreaks often require lengthy investigations because symptoms may not appear for about a week after exposure, making it more difficult to identify the contaminated food.
Public health officials urged anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis to seek medical evaluation, as laboratory testing is needed to confirm infection and appropriate antibiotic treatment can shorten illness. They also encouraged consumers to monitor official outbreak updates as investigators continue working to determine the source.
Federal agencies said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional public health guidance or recalls will be issued if a specific contaminated product is identified.
