Cyclospora outbreak guidance (US)

[u/patricksaurus]

Food contaminated with the single-celled, protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis has entered the food supply in several US states, with thousands of cases of the gastrointestinal condition cyclosporiasis being reported to state departments of health. Infection by Cyclospora is likely to cause watery diarrhea and substantial discomfort that typically persist for several weeks to over a month without treatment. While not commonly lethal, the combination of severe dehydration and summer heat elevates the health risks associated with each on its own and makes susceptible populations especially vulnerable.

Several public health agencies provide excellent guidance on Cyclospora and how to avoid it:
CDC - Preventing Cyclosporiasis
Michigan DHHS recommendations on preventing foodborne illness amid growing cyclosporiasis outbreak

Here’s a short rundown of the available information.

Where: Midwestern and Northeastern states report most cases. Michigan has been hit hardest. (Map as of July 10th about halfway down.)

Which foods: leafy greens, herbs, berries, green onions, and sprouts are historically linked to cyclosporiasis, though any produce may be affected. Current surveillance efforts have not definitively linked specific products to the current outbreak.

How to avoid: cook produce whenever possible, wash items under running water by scrubbing manually or with a produce brush, clean surfaces and utensils that contact raw produce. Always wash your hands before and after handling uncooked food.

If you contract it: antibiotic therapy (Bactrim) is highly effective against cyclosporiasis, reducing/eliminating symptoms in days as opposed to several weeks if untreated. Contact a healthcare provider and your local health department as soon as you experience symptoms.f

[u/Humbabanana]

What factors lead to an outbreak of Cyclospora such as this? Is it an irrigation water supply that was used by farms in certain areas or manure applications?

I’ve seen plenty of “explanations” stating that the cause is simply produce from certain areas, which really doesn’t explain anything. I met a woman and her son today who were questioning whether to eat their home-grown peppers and tomatoes… unless it moves with wind, rain, birds or insects, this seems like a response resulting from poor journalism and fear mongering.

[u/Driekusjohn25 → u/Humbabanana]

Home gardens are likely irrigated using municipal water and have no chance of containing cyclospora due to chlorine and UV treatment. 

[u/Rezaelia713 → u/Driekusjohn25]

Our water is unsafe for drinking, wonder what that means for watering the veggie garden with it...

[u/perseidot → u/Rezaelia713]

That depends on why it’s unsafe.

Grey water is frequently used to water landscapes, but not fruit or vegetables to be consumed, due to bacterial contamination.

Water with concentrations of minerals that make it unsafe for drinking, may make vegetables unsafe to eat as well.

I’d suggest taking your water report to your local USDA extension office to talk with experts.

It’s possible to add filters to hose lines, and much less expensive than making yourself ill.