What’s Going On With the Cyclospora Outbreak and Is Produce Safe to Eat?

The Outbreak So Far

Cases of diarrhea caused by a tiny bug called cyclospora (a parasite — a living thing that can make you sick) keep going up. People can be sick for weeks, and no one is totally sure where it is coming from. You might be wondering: is anything in the fruit and veggie section safe?

Here is what we know:

• More than 4,000 cases have happened in Michigan and Ohio, with linked cases in West Virginia and Kentucky.
• Michigan officials think lettuce or salad greens might be the cause, but they have not found a specific type, farm, or brand.
• Across the whole US, since May 1, over 7,000 cases have been confirmed or are being looked into, in 34 states.
• It is not clear which of those states are part of the big Midwest outbreak.

Important: No deaths have been reported. About 1 in every 11 people with the illness has been hospitalized.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite. The sickness it causes is called cyclosporiasis.

A doctor named Dr. Nuwan Gunawardhana explains:

• It is a parasite, not a bacteria or virus.
• It has caused food-related outbreaks in the past.
• It does not usually spread from person to person.
• It is very tough and sticks really well to fresh fruits and veggies.

Symptoms

If you swallow cyclospora, you may get sick in about 2 days to 2 weeks. Signs include:

• Long-lasting watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea (feeling like you might throw up)
• Feeling very tired
• Not wanting to eat
• Losing weight

If not treated with a special antibiotic, the sickness can last weeks and can cause dehydration (your body losing too much water).

Who Is Most at Risk?

Dr. Dan Barouch says:

• The most at-risk people are:
  • Young children
  • Older adults
  • People with weak immune systems (bodies that can’t fight illness well)
• For most healthy people, the illness is often mild.
• Taking precautions makes sense, especially for higher-risk people, but there is no need to panic.

What Foods Have Caused Trouble Before?

In the past, these foods have been linked to cyclospora outbreaks:

• Raspberries
• Basil
• Salad mixes (like veggie trays and coleslaw)
• Cilantro
• Berry and fruit mixes
• Lettuce
• Snap peas

Bagged salad mixes and kits have specifically been tied to past outbreaks in the US and Canada.

Important: Taco Bell said it is removing some ingredients at some locations just to be safe.

Smart Shopping Tips

Here is how to shop smarter while the outbreak is happening:

• Choose whole, uncut lettuce and greens instead of precut or bagged ones (they are handled less).
• Avoid bagged lettuce or salad kits for now. If you really want them, rewash at home even if they say “prewashed.”
• Skip fruits and veggies that are bruised, damaged, or moldy.
• Michigan officials suggest buying a whole head of lettuce, throwing away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves, and washing the inside leaves well.
• People with weak immune systems may want to avoid fresh produce completely until the source is found.

But don’t stop eating whole fruits and veggies entirely — they are a healthy part of your diet. Most fresh produce on the market is safe.

How to Wash Produce at Home

Washing helps but does not 100% remove cyclospora, especially from leafy greens, herbs, and soft berries.

Do NOT use:

• Soap
• Bleach
• Household cleaners
• Chlorine tablets (cyclospora is highly resistant to chlorine)
• Dilute sanitizers (they don’t work well on this bug and could hurt you)

Three Simple Washing Steps

Follow these steps from Dr. Gunawardhana:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Hold produce under clean running water.
3. Rub or scrub firm produce (like cucumbers, melons, potatoes) with your hands or a brush.

Note: This won’t fully prevent illness, but it might help. Peeling fruits and veggies also removes the outside where the bug hides.

Cooking and Heat

Heat kills the parasite.

• Cook food to an internal temperature of 158°F (70°C) or higher.
• Cooked vegetables are lower-risk than raw ones.
• Michigan health officials say cooking is one of the best ways to stay safe.

Prevent Cross-Contamination

Keep your kitchen safe:

• Keep unwashed produce away from ready-to-eat foods and raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
• Clean counters and wash hands often.
• Good hygiene always matters, not just during outbreaks.

Important: Washing and peeling lower risk, but even tiny amounts of the bug can make you sick. Cooking is the surest kill method.

What Officials Say

The CDC says:

• Be aware that sanitizing produce might not fully remove cyclospora.
• Wash produce even if labeled “pre-washed.”
• Follow normal food safety steps and watch for food alerts.

Dr. Gwen Biggerstaff (CDC) says she tells family and friends to follow standing food safety practices and stay updated on alerts.

Summary

A cyclospora parasite outbreak has made over 7,000 people sick in 34 states, with Michigan and Ohio hardest hit. Lettuce or greens may be the source, but it is unknown. Most people get mild illness, but young kids, older adults, and those with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Shop for whole produce, avoid bagged salads, wash well, peel when possible, and cook to 158°F to kill the bug. Don’t use soap or chlorine on food. Stay calm, stay clean, and watch official updates.

FAQ

Q: Can I catch cyclospora from another person?
A: Usually no. It is not considered contagious person-to-person. It mostly comes from contaminated food.

Q: Should I stop eating all fruits and vegetables?
A: No. Whole fruits and veggies are important for health. Most are safe. Just be careful: pick whole items, wash well, and cook if you are worried.

Q: Does washing with soap make produce safer?
A: No. Soap, bleach, and cleaners are not for food and can leave harmful leftovers. Use clean running water only.

Q: What is the safest way to avoid getting sick?
A: Cooking food to at least 158°F (70°C) kills the parasite. Peeling and good washing also help lower risk.

Q: Are bagged salads okay to eat?
A: They have been linked to past outbreaks. It is best to avoid them now or rewash at home even if prewashed.