The answer is yes. Fresh produce remains an important part of a healthy diet, and the risk of getting sick is still relatively low. But outbreaks like these are a good reminder that a few simple food safety habits can go a long way in protecting you and your family.
"Most foodborne illnesses resolve within a few days," says Zoe Weiss, MD, Director of Clinical Microbiology at Tufts Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. "If diarrhea lasts for 10 days, two weeks or longer, that's when we start thinking about the possibility of a parasite like Cyclospora."
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water. In the United States, it's most often associated with fresh produce such as leafy greens, herbs and berries. Unlike many bacteria that cause food poisoning, Cyclospora doesn't spread easily from person to person. The parasite has to spend time in the environment before it becomes infectious, so people usually become sick after eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. One thing that makes Cyclospora especially tricky is that symptoms often don't begin until one to two weeks after exposure. By then, it can be hard to remember exactly what you ate or where it came from.
What does Cyclospora feel like?
The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea that doesn't seem to let up. You may also have:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Weight loss
Some people start to feel better only to have symptoms return days later. Without treatment, the illness can last for several weeks.
The good news is that you don't have to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables. Instead, this is a good opportunity to brush up on food safety basics. The same habits that help reduce your risk of Cyclospora can also protect you from many other foodborne illnesses.
Food safety tips you can use every day
While no one can eliminate every risk of foodborne illness, following good food safety practices can help reduce your chances of getting sick from Cyclospora and many other germs.
Give fresh produce a good rinse
Wash fruits and vegetables under cool running water before eating or preparing them. For firm produce, such as melons, cucumbers and potatoes, use a clean produce brush to remove dirt from the surface. It's important to know that washing doesn't remove every parasite or bacterium, but it can help reduce contamination.
Cook foods when possible
Cooking is one of the most effective ways to kill Cyclospora, along with many bacteria and parasites that can cause foodborne illness. If you're cooking vegetables or herbs as part of a recipe, that extra step provides another layer of protection.
Keep raw foods separate
One of the easiest ways to prevent foodborne illness is to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and fresh produce, or wash boards, knives and countertops thoroughly with hot, soapy water between uses.
Wash your hands
Before preparing food, after handling raw meat and before eating, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It's one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of many foodborne illnesses.
Stay informed about recalls
If public health officials announce that a food has been recalled because of contamination, don't take chances. Throw it away or return it to the store, even if it looks and smells fine.
When should you call a doctor?
Many stomach bugs clear up on their own within a few days. But if diarrhea is severe, keeps coming back or lasts longer than a week, it's time to check in with your care team.
Seek medical care sooner if you're becoming dehydrated or if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant or are caring for a young child or older adult with severe symptoms.
"Cyclospora isn't always the first thing clinicians think about because it isn't as common as other causes of food poisoning," says Dr. Weiss. "When symptoms are prolonged, that's an important clue that additional testing may be needed. Because Cyclospora is not included in every routine stool test, people with prolonged diarrhea should talk with their healthcare clinician about whether testing for this parasite is appropriate."
Make food safety part of your routine
Although Cyclospora is getting attention right now, it's only one of many germs that can cause foodborne illness. The same habits that help protect against this parasite—washing produce, preventing cross-contamination, practicing good hand hygiene and following food recalls—also reduce your risk of infections caused by Salmonella, E. coli and other foodborne bacteria.
You don't need to avoid fresh produce. Instead, focus on making safe food handling part of your everyday routine. It's one of the best ways to protect your health year-round.
Concerned your symptoms could be more than a stomach bug?
If diarrhea is severe, lasts longer than a week or keeps coming back, it may be time to seek medical care. Try the Tufts Medicine Symptom Checker
If you're experiencing prolonged diarrhea or other concerning symptoms, a Tufts Medicine primary care clinician can help determine whether additional testing is needed.
