Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Cyclospora,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 25, 2025
Just last year, an outbreak of Cyclospora in Wake County sickened over 100 residents. Across the state, even more people fell ill with this infection.
Now, Wake County Public Health faces a similar challenge. A spike in this parasitic illness, with no specific food source to point to.
Here’s what we know about the rise in cases of Cyclospora in Wake County, how to know if you have it, and what to do if you get sick.
It is summer in Wake County. As Public Health prepares for the seasonal uptick in cyclosporiasis infections, the illness caused by Cyclospora microorganisms, officials warn residents about a potential outbreak.
“Every summer we see a rise in cyclosporiasis cases, and many people aren’t familiar with the illness,” said Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas. Residents, restaurants, and food businesses should be vigilant, especially during the critical warmer months where the parasite thrives.
Health officials worry about another situation like the 2024 outbreak of Cyclospora in Wake County.
Last July, at least 134 people became sick with a Cyclospora infection. Over 200 in the surrounding counties.
Initial epidemiological evidence pointed to three unnamed restaurants. Though a specific food source could not be narrowed down.
Investigators believed that herbs and vegetables were the common source.
Other national outbreaks occurred at the same time. One linked to shrimp salad. The other was linked to imported parsley.
Currently, there is a Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) radar.
The FDA added the outbreak to their active investigations table in mid-July with associated 24 cases. Shortly after, the cases more than doubled to 57 when data from the CDC connected additional illnesses to the outbreak.
This leaves us with a big question. Are the two outbreaks related?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
More information is needed to determine if there is a connection.
But what exactly IS Cyclospora?
Cyclospora, more specifically, Cyclospora cayetanensis, is a microscopic organism that can make people sick. Unlike most other foodborne pathogens, this one is not a bacteria or virus. Cyclospora is a parasite.
But, like other parasites, Cyclospora requires a host to survive.
This parasite uses the human body to incubate and reproduce, creating an environment suitable to transmit its progeny to the next step in its life cycle.
Humans are the only known host for Cyclospora parasites. No other animal appears susceptible to this infection.
Fortunately, however, infections between humans are not contagious. This is due to the distinct conditions needed in the parasite’s life cycle.
The life cycle of a Cyclospora organism requires two distinct environments to complete. It is the reason that direct person-to-person infection is rare.
One requires the environmental conditions inside the host (human) digestive system. The other requires specific conditions outside of the host body in the environment.
Let’s explore the two phases. These are the “host phase,” and the “environmental phase.”
The host phase of the Cyclospora life cycle begins when a person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the parasite in the appropriate phase of its life cycle. These tiny parasites find their way to the small intestine, where the oocysts invade the epithelial cells in the intestinal walls.
Here, Cyclospora oocysts undergo a reproductive process that ends in the creation of un-sporulated oocysts. These un-sporulated oocysts release into the feces (poop) resulting in watery diarrhea. This watery diarrhea moves these oocysts to the next phase of their life cycle.
The second phase of the Cyclospora life cycle takes place outside the host. This phase requires very specific environmental conditions not available inside the host body.
Un-sporulated oocysts require around seven to 15 days at a temperature of 73° F to 77° F for sporulation to occur. Once sporulated, the parasite becomes infectious again.
All it takes is for a small amount of these sporulated Cyclospora parasites to contaminate fresh produce or water and become ingested by a human host for the cycle to start again.
Following the Public Health warning of Cyclospora in Wake County, you may be wondering if your digestive illness is a Cyclospora infection.
The only way to know for sure if your illness is caused by Cyclospora parasites is specialized laboratory testing. However, there are a few commonly associated symptoms to look for in a Cyclospora illness.
The most commonly associated symptom with Cyclospora illness is watery diarrhea, with “frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements.” The other is fatigue. Most people with Cyclospora infections report feeling very tired. Or more tired than usual.
Other symptoms may include:
Some people who are infected with Cyclospora parasites do not experience any symptoms at all. For those that do, on the other hand, symptoms may appear to resolve. Only to return again and again.
These relapses are quite common with Cyclospora infections. Likely due to the nature of this parasite’s life cycle.
Without proper treatment, these relapses can continue for a long time.
In the Public Health warning for Cyclospora in Wake County, the Department explains a few key steps to reduce your risk of this infection.
Be sure to wash all fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking it.
Even if you plan to peel it!
Cyclospora and other foodborne germs can be hanging out on the surface. As the knife makes its way through the inside of the item, it can take those external germs with it.
With previous outbreaks linked to fresh produce (2013), cilantro (2014), salad mix (2018), fresh basil (2019), bagged salad mix (2020), and other outbreaks over the years linked to mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas, this step is crucial!
Always refrigerate perishable items promptly. Foodborne germs can exponentially increase in number when they hang out in the “danger zone.” The temperature range between 40° F and 140° F.
Food left in this temperature range should be discarded after two hours. This shortens to one hour if ambient temperature is above 90° F.
Untreated water is often contaminated with bacteria and parasites. Always consume potable water. Do not drink from rivers, streams, lakes, or other untreated sources that may be contaminated with sewage.
Wake County Public Health warns residents to “be cautious with imported fruits and vegetables.” Explaining that they are “more frequently linked to outbreaks.”
Based on FDA outbreak data, this is not a bad idea.
In response to increased cases of Cyclospora in Wake County, Public Health also has advice to restaurants and food businesses.
Namely, to follow proper washing procedures for all produce. Especially those served raw. This should be done year-round, but extra vigilance should be made during this risky period.
These food businesses should also be sure to source produce from reputable suppliers, keep detailed records where produce is purchased, and keep an eye on recalls and advisories related to Cyclospora and other foodborne contamination news.
Now is also a great time to retrain kitchen staff on food safety protocols, “including proper handwashing, cross-contamination prevention, and safe food storage.”
If you have become sick with symptoms consistent with a Cyclospora infection, be sure to stay hydrated. Reach out to your healthcare provider to receive proper treatment. Untreated, illness can persist for a long time. With specific medications, symptoms may resolve much faster.
Additionally, your data could help identify the source and prevent further illnesses.
The more epidemiological data investigators have, the faster a source can be identified. Get tested today to help your local foodborne illness investigators.
Either reach out to your healthcare provider or local health department to report your illness.
You will be asked about the foods you have eaten and where you got it during the weeks prior to becoming sick. You will want to make that list as early as possible, while details are still fresh in your mind.
If you have been significantly impacted by a Cyclospora infection, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Cyclospora Lawyer that can help!
You want experienced representation, skilled at handling cases just like yours. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully recovered millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases, and they can help you too.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for your free, no obligation consultation. Get answers today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)