Cyclospora concerns? How to reduce your risk with fresh produce

AdventHealth infectious disease specialist Vincent Hsu, MD, shares practical ways to lower your risk, recognize symptoms that need medical attention and help you make informed choices about fresh fruits and vegetables.

If cyclospora has you wondering what is safe to eat, Dr. Hsu said the goal is not to panic.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are still worth enjoying this summer, and the focus should be on practical steps that can help reduce your risk.

"There is always some level of risk with foods that are eaten raw," said Dr. Hsu, AdventHealth's infection control officer. "But the health benefits of fruits and vegetables far outweigh those risks for most people."

What is cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause a diarrheal illness called cyclosporiasis. It is not new and has been recognized to cause illnesses for decades.

Is cyclospora just one outbreak?

One of the biggest misconceptions about cyclospora is that it won't be an issue once this large outbreak is under control.

"People sometimes think this is one isolated event and everything goes back to normal afterward," Dr. Hsu said. "The reality is that cyclospora is something we see seasonally, particularly during the summer."

Health officials continue to investigate the full scope of the recent outbreak.

What can you do at home to lower your risk?

While consumers can't control every step in the food supply chain, they can reduce their own risk.

Dr. Hsu's recommendations:

• Wash fresh produce thoroughly. Washing helps remove contamination from the surface, even though it cannot eliminate every risk.
• Choose whole produce when you can. Buying a whole head of lettuce and removing the outer leaves allows you to wash it yourself rather than relying on prewashed packaged greens.
• Select produce that is easier to clean. Smooth fruits such as apples or blueberries, along with produce that can be peeled, may be easier to clean thoroughly than delicate leafy greens or raspberries.
• Remember that washing is not perfect. Cyclospora is resistant to many disinfectants, so scrubbing and rinsing are more effective than relying on antibacterial products alone.
• If you are at higher risk, consider temporary substitutions. Older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems may choose lower-risk fruits and vegetables for a short time rather than avoiding produce altogether.

When should you call a doctor?

Many diarrheal illnesses improve on their own, and symptoms alone cannot tell someone whether they have cyclospora or another infection. 

Dr. Hsu recommends seeking medical care if you experience:

• Diarrhea that is severe or lasts longer than expected
• Bloody stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever
• Signs of dehydration

Because many foodborne illnesses have similar symptoms, testing may be needed to determine the cause.

Dr. Hsu said cyclospora isn't included in many routine stool tests, so if symptoms are severe or persistent, it's important to see a healthcare provider who can determine whether additional testing is appropriate.

Where can you find reliable information?

As information about the current outbreak continues to evolve, Dr. Hsu recommends relying on trusted public health sources and comparing information from multiple reputable organizations.

Some resources include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information about Cyclospora, symptoms, prevention and current public health updates.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for current food safety advisories and recalls.
• State health departments for local public health guidance and advisories.

Dr. Hsu encourages consumers to stay informed, practice good food safety and keep fresh fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet.