An outbreak of the gastrointestinal infection cyclosporiasis has been spreading across the country through contaminated produce. With 34 states already affected according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention news release on Tuesday, Mainers may be wondering if they’re next.
So far, two cases of the illness have been reported in Maine, but the Maine CDC said on Wednesday that neither case was determined to be linked to the nationwide outbreak. Still, Mainers should be cautious when it comes to preparing and eating produce and visit a doctor if they have prolonged or watery diarrhea.
Though no deaths have been linked to this outbreak in the United States, 141 people were hospitalized nationwide and 1,645 lab-confirmed cases in the U.S. have occurred since May 1 of this year, a significant difference between this summer and last summer, which the CDC said only had 249 cases for the same dates.
Though no Maine cases are linked to the national outbreak yet, produce shipped across state lines could bring the infection here.
Here’s what you need to know about food safety and the parasite that’s contaminating produce, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.
What causes cyclosporiasis?
The gastrointestinal infection is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, which is spread through contaminated produce. Though the exact source of this recent outbreak is unknown, Cyclospora spreads through fruit and vegetables contaminated with feces.
Can cyclosporiasis be treated?
Yes! Cyclosporiasis is highly treatable with antibiotics.
Can I catch cyclosporiasis from someone else?
Direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely. The parasite must spend one to two weeks in an environment outside the body before it can become infectious.
Is washing my produce enough to keep me safe?
Washing all produce — even produce that’s prewashed — is advisable and reduces risk. Do not use soap or bleach to wash your produce. Instead, rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under clean running water.
However, washing your produce doesn’t completely rule out your chances of contracting cyclosporiasis. The only sure way to kill the parasite is to cook your produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit before eating it.
What about washing with vinegar?
While washing with vinegar doesn’t hurt, it cannot kill Cyclospora.
What else can I do to remove the parasite from my food?
Remove and discard outer layers of fruit and vegetables. For instance, instead of buying cut lettuce, buy a whole head of lettuce and discard the first two or three outer layers.
Can I use hand sanitizer to kill the parasite?
No. Alcohol-based sanitizers don’t kill Cyclospora, but soap and water are highly effective at killing or removing the parasite from your hands.
I want to be healthy. Do I have to swear off produce altogether?
No. The negative health impacts of not eating produce outweigh the risks of contracting cyclosporiasis.
If you want to minimize your risk further, opt for cooked or canned vegetables as a safer option than fresh produce.
What symptoms should I watch out for?
The time between exposure and sickness ranges from 2-14 days or more, but is typically about one week. Watch out for watery diarrhea and frequent bowel movements as well as loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. For a more comprehensive list of side effects, visit the FDA’s website.
Seek care promptly, especially if you are immunocompromised. Cyclosporiasis is very treatable. Don’t panic, but take precautions to keep yourself safe.
What else can I do to keep myself safe?
It’s important to follow basic food safety and hygienic procedures, such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom.
