What to Do if You Suspect a Cyclospora Outbreak

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause an intestinal infection in humans called cyclosporiasis. The parasite is spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. If you believe an outbreak of Cyclospora has occurred in your area, contact your local health department then an experienced Cyclospora attorney. Public health officials may investigate and take steps to prevent further spread of the parasite.

Cyclospora Outbreak Statistics

Cyclospora outbreaks are relatively rare but can occur anywhere in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been several outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the United States in recent years:

2022

A total of 1,129 cases were confirmed. Multiple outbreaks of cyclosporiasis were investigated by state public health authorities, CDC, and FDA. One resulted in 84 illnesses and another 43 illnesses, in which people reported eating various types of leafy greens. Traceback investigations were conducted, but the source of either outbreak could not be confirmed.

2021

Multiple outbreaks of cyclosporiasis cases sourced to different restaurants or events were investigated by state public health authorities, CDC, and FDA. Overall, there were 1,020 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis.

2020

There were 1,241 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in 35 states. Multiple clusters of cases were associated with different restaurants or events, including cases from a multistate outbreak linked to bagged salad mix containing carrots, red cabbage, and iceberg lettuce.

2019

2,408 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis were reported by 37 states, most of which occurred between May and August.

2018

There were 250 confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection in people from 4 states who reported consuming pre-packaged Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip. Eight people were hospitalized, but no deaths were reported.

The actual number of cases may be higher, as many go undiagnosed or unreported.

Steps to Take if You Suspect a Cyclospora Outbreak

If you suspect that there is a foodborne illness outbreak, you should take the following steps:

• Contact your local health department: Report the suspected Cyclospora outbreak to your local health department immediately. They will investigate the situation and take appropriate action.
• Seek medical attention: If you or anyone else who has eaten the same food is experiencing symptoms of a foodborne illness, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include vomiting and a low-grade fever, but most commonly will present as:
• • Watery diarrhea (most common)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Cramping
  • Bloating
  • Increased gas
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue

A physician must perform special laboratory tests on a stool sample to confirm you have a cyclospora infection. There are also antibiotics that can be prescribed to treat it.

• Preserve the food: If you still have any of the suspected food, do not throw it away. Keep it in a sealed container in your refrigerator or freezer, and save it until it can be tested.
• Gather information: Write down as much as you can about what you ate, where you ate it, and when you ate it. This information will be helpful for the health department in their investigation to identify the source.
• Cooperate with the health department: If the health department contacts you for more information, it is essential to cooperate fully. They may also ask you to provide a stool sample for testing.
• Prevent further spread: Follow food safety procedures to prevent the further spread of the illness, such as washing hands with soap and warm water before and after handling or preparing food.

The quicker action is taken to stop the spread of foodborne illness, the more likely you are to prevent a potential cyclospora outbreak.