Updated

Updated · San Bernardino County (.gov) · Jul 23

San Bernardino County Urges Cyclosporiasis Precautions After 2 Cases as US Total Reaches 4,173

Updated

Updated · San Bernardino County (.gov) · Jul 23

San Bernardino County Urges Cyclosporiasis Precautions After 2 Cases as US Total Reaches 4,173

Q: If washing produce doesn't eliminate the parasite, is cooking the only way to safely eat vegetables this summer?

No. Cooking vegetables to at least 158°F (70°C) is the only reliable way to kill *Cyclospora*, but it is not the only way to lower your risk enough to keep eating produce. Health officials say washing alone does not fully remove the parasite. *Cyclospora* can cling to leafy greens, herbs and berries, and it resists routine chemical disinfection. That is why outbreaks are often tied to raw produce. If you want the highest level of protection, especially if you are older, immunocompromised, pregnant, or feeding young children, cooked produce is the safest choice. For raw vegetables, the goal is risk reduction, not guaranteed elimination. Buy whole produce rather than pre-cut or bagged items when possible. For lettuce, choose whole heads, discard the outer leaves, and rinse the inner leaves under running water. Scrub firm produce like cucumbers or melons, peel what you can, and avoid bruised or damaged items. Wash hands, knives, boards and counters well to prevent cross-contamination. It is also important to follow recalls and outbreak notices. This summer’s multistate outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce, and recalled products should be thrown away immediately. Freezing does not kill the parasite. If you develop watery diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, especially after eating fresh produce, seek medical care and ask about testing for *Cyclospora*, since routine stool tests may miss it.

3 articles · Updated · San Bernardino County (.gov) · Jul 23

Two Cyclosporiasis cases have been recorded in San Bernardino County this year, prompting public health officials to urge residents to tighten food and water safety practices.
Cyclospora spreads through food or water contaminated with feces, and officials said no local outbreak or cluster has been identified despite the county cases.
Symptoms typically begin 1 to 2 weeks after exposure and can include prolonged watery diarrhea, cramps, fatigue and nausea; the illness is treatable with antibiotics, though many people recover without care.
CDC has logged 4,173 confirmed US cases since May 1 across 41 states, with additional reports still under analysis and the true total likely higher because many infections go unreported.
Health officials advised handwashing, rinsing produce, avoiding cross-contamination and cooking foods to 158°F, noting the parasite can resist routine chemical disinfection and washing alone may not remove it.