Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. It usually causes a watery diarrheal illness that can last anywhere from nine to 43 days if left untreated. Cyclospora spreads when people eat food or drink water that was contaminated with feces (stool). Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening.
What Can You Do?
People can take the following food and vegetable handling recommendations to prevent foodborne illness related to fresh produce:
Wash
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
Prepare
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
Store
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).
People who are infected with Cyclospora may or may not experience symptoms. Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. If you are experiencing symptoms of Cyclospora infection, please see your healthcare provider.
Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/about/index.html