Cases of cyclosporiasis — an illness caused by a microscopic parasite often linked to contaminated fresh produce like strawberries — are climbing across the U.S. this summer, with outbreaks reported in multiple states and Michigan alone logging hundreds of cases in recent weeks. Currently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is investigating this multistate surge and health officials in hard-hit areas are urging residents to take extra precautions with the produce they eat. So what exactly is cyclosporiasis, and how worried should you be? Read on for everything you need to know about it — including produce-washing products that can help you reduce the risk of infection.
What is cyclosporiasis and how do you get it?
Experts told NBC News that cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, or Cyclospora for short, which people contract by consuming food or water contaminated with feces. Not everyone who’s infected will feel sick, but, for those who do, the parasite targets the small intestine and typically causes watery diarrhea with frequent, and sometimes explosive, bowel movements, the CDC reports.
Other symptoms include cramping, nausea, fatigue and a low-grade fever. Symptoms usually show up two to 14 days after exposure, and if left untreated, the illness can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer, sometimes improving before returning. Importantly, direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely, since it takes at least one to two weeks outside the body for Cyclospora to become infectious after passing in a bowel movement. While uncomfortable and often prolonged, the infection is not usually life-threatening, according to the CDC.
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The best products for reducing the risk of cyclosporiasis
When it comes to preventing cyclosporiasis, health officials at the CDC say the best thing you can do is practice safe food handling and wash items that are most likely to be contaminated with it — namely, produce. Below, I’ve rounded up some highly rated items that can help you wash your produce.
The CDC recommends scrubbing firm produce like melons and cucumbers to help reduce cyclosporiasis risk and this OXO brush makes it easier. It has sturdy nylon bristles that dislodge dirt in deep nooks and crannies, while a flexible, non-slip handle is comfortable to grip. Simply scrub produce under running water before cutting, cooking, or eating. This tool is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, too.
This spray-on produce cleaner is formulated to break down the water-resistant wax coatings found on fruits and veggies, which can trap dirt, agricultural chemicals and handling residue, according to the brand. Simply spray onto firm produce or soak leafy greens, then rinse well before eating. It works on everything from apples and cucumbers to spinach and berries, according to the brand.
Experts have previously told us that one of the best ways to clean berries is to soak them in a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water, which creates a disinfectant. Just soak for a few minutes before rinsing off.
I like to use a salad spinner in combination with white vinegar to clean fruit for my kids. I fill the spinner with a vinegar and water solution and let my produce soak. Then, I pull out the colander with the fruit and dump the liquid from the bowl. I replace the colander and spin the produce until it’s dry before storing it all in the fridge. I find the spinning gets everything nice and dry so it’s less likely to mold in the fridge.
How I picked the best products for reducing the risk of cyclosporiasis
To put together this list, I turned to guidance from the CDC on how cyclosporiasis spreads and the specific steps it recommends for reducing exposure, including thoroughly washing and scrubbing fresh produce before eating it. I also drew on previous reporting from NBC News and NBC Selected on foodborne illness and produce safety to understand which tools and habits experts have consistently cited as effective. From there, I prioritized products that are simple to use, address the CDC’s specific recommendations and have thousands of positive ratings.
Frequently asked questions
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, which people contract by consuming food or water contaminated with feces. In the United States, outbreaks have most often been linked to fresh produce, like basil, cilantro, raspberries, and pre-cut salad mixes that were exposed to contaminated water at some point before reaching store shelves, according to the CDC. Notably, the illness isn’t spread person-to-person, since the parasite needs one to two weeks outside the body to become infectious after it’s passed in a bowel movement.
Cyclosporiasis can sometimes resolve without treatment, but it often doesn’t clear up quickly on its own. If left untreated, the illness can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer, and symptoms may even improve before relapsing. Because of this, the CDC recommends seeing a doctor if you have symptoms, since a course of antibiotics can effectively treat the infection.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers wellness, beauty, and lifestyle. I have also written about relieving shoulder pain and whether or not makeup wipes are bad for you. For this story, I gathered information from NBC News and the CDC on cyclosporiasis.
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