Utah Reports 48 Cyclospora Cases Since May as Annual Water Contamination Persists
Updated
Updated · KSL.com · Aug 7
Utah Reports 48 Cyclospora Cases Since May as Annual Water Contamination Persists
3 articles · Updated · KSL.com · Aug 7
Summary
Utah has logged 48 cyclosporiasis cases since May, and state health data says none are tied to the current outbreak under federal and state monitoring.
May-through-August warmth helps cyclospora incubate, while human waste can reach farm water through sewage leaks, runoff, contaminated sources or field workers, Utah State University food safety specialist Jose Brandao said.
Contaminated water can spread the parasite during irrigation, pesticide application or produce washing, and chlorine used post-harvest does not remove cyclospora.
Updated Food Safety Modernization Act rules and training have pushed farmers to check upstream and nearby contamination risks, though water-quality problems and accidental failures still leave Utah with recurring seasonal cases.