Health Officials Investigate a Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak Tied to Produce

Federal health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, as they work to identify the source amid the summer produce season when such outbreaks tend to surface.

The parasite, Cyclospora, is typically spread through contaminated food or water, and past U.S. outbreaks have frequently been linked to fresh produce. Symptoms can include prolonged, watery diarrhea and fatigue, and the illness is treatable, though it can be debilitating while it runs its course.

Tracing the source

Investigators from the FDA and other agencies are conducting traceback work to determine what product or supplier might be responsible. As of mid-July, the FDA said it had not confirmed positive test results tying a specific product to the outbreak, and at least one produce company said it was taking added precautions even without a confirmed link to its supply.

A recurring summer challenge

Cyclospora outbreaks have become a near-annual feature of the warmer months, posing a persistent challenge for food-safety officials and the fresh-produce industry. Because the parasite is hard to detect and the supply chain is complex, pinpointing a source can take time.

Officials generally advise consumers to follow standard food-safety practices, including washing produce, while investigators work to narrow down the cause. Public-health agencies typically update their guidance as traceback efforts progress and more cases are reported and analyzed.