Where to Buy Fruits, Vegetables as Cyclospora Fears Extend Beyond Lettuce
A former CDC director is urging Americans to be vigilant about the produce they consume, particularly raw fruits and vegetables.
As the cyclospora outbreak persists, former CDC Director Robert Redfield has urged Americans to remain cautious about the produce they consume, particularly raw fruits and vegetables. The outbreak, linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, has now affected 15 states and over 6,300 individuals, resulting in 278 hospitalizations and two deaths.
Redfield emphasized that lettuce may not be the sole cause and advised consuming locally grown produce to minimize exposure. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine, causing cyclosporiasis, which is contracted through contaminated food or water. While the parasite is not typically spread directly from person to person, contamination becomes infectious after time in the environment following stool shedding.
Detecting cyclospora in food is challenging, and traces can remain even after washing. Redfield cautioned that even washing lettuce won't remove the contamination. He recommended prioritizing locally grown produce, as the primary risk lies in internationally imported vegetables. The CDC, FDA, and state health departments continue investigating the outbreak, which has been tied to specific iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
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