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?
It sure does seem like the CDC doesn’t…
Why Is the CDC and FDA Ignoring the Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis?
Neither does the FDA…
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!
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.
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.