Why Is the CDC and FDA Ignoring the Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis?

The Real Truth About Public Health

Do you know about the outbreaks of cyclosporiasis causing explosive diarrhea in at least 20 states?

There have been no recent updates to the CDC outbreak page, even as cases in the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak surge.

It sure does seem like the CDC doesn’t…

Why Is the CDC and FDA Ignoring the Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis?

Neither does the FDA…

There have been no recent updates to the FDA outbreak page, even as cases in the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak surge.

You would think that they would have issued some kind of guidance by now, with:

• over 2,000 cases in at least 20 states

• at least 40 hospitalizations

And no source for the outbreak!

The CDC and FDA report that there is no evidence that cases are linked, but know that we are seeing many more cases than usual, which would be very unusual if the cases were not linked.

An outbreak that will likely keep getting worse.

“Cyclosporiasis is caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayatenensis, which is commonly found in developing countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months.”

Outbreak of cyclosporiasis occurring in Michigan

An outbreak that could get even worse because of all of the public health cuts in the past few years, after all, it takes public health workers to investigate, provide support, and communicate about these types of outbreaks.

FoodNet now just tracks Salmonella and Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC).

Especially considering that the CDC made tracking Cyclospora cases optional last year!

An outbreak that you can hopefully avoid if you:

• thoroughly wash or scrub all fruits and vegetables, which can decrease, but not eliminate the cyclospora parasite

• cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables

• refrigerate fruits and vegetables as soon as they are cut, peeled or cooked

What else?

Be sure to stay up to date on this outbreak, in case a source is eventually found and there is a recall.

“Past cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and mesclun lettuce. Although it’s unknown exactly how food and water become infected with Cyclospora, people should be aware that rinsing or washing food is not likely to remove it.”

Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis

Updates that will likely come from your state health department…

And if you do get caught up in this outbreak, know that cycloporiasis can be treated with Bactrim.

More on Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks

• A Top Ten List of Vaccine Misinformation from RFK Jr

• State and Federal Public Health Funding Cuts Are Making Measles Outbreaks Worse

• How USAID Funding Cuts Are Killing Kids

• The Hantavirus Outbreak Reinforced the Importance of Real Public Health Experts

• Outbreak of cyclosporiasis occurring in Michigan

• CDC Investigates Surge of Parasitic Illness Across 18 States as Workforce Cuts Raise Response Concerns

• RFK Jr. Now Has to Deal With Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak

• Preventing Foodborne Illness: Cyclospora cayetanensis

• CDC - Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis

• FDA - Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

• Idaho Public Health officials are investigating two outbreaks likely associated with raw milk