A surge in cyclosporiasis cases has been reported in the US, with over 22,000 confirmed or suspected cases in 47 states since May, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Food and Drug Administration is currently investigating six separate cyclospora outbreaks nationwide.

Cyclospora Outbreaks

The largest outbreak spans at least 15 states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Missouri. Health authorities have identified shredded iceberg lettuce as a possible source of the 15-state outbreak. The lettuce was served at Taco Bell and supplied by Taylor Farms, which has since issued a nationwide recall of its iceberg lettuce from central Mexico.

Michigan has been hit the hardest, with over 12,400 cases and two deaths reported so far. However, state authorities have said that the outbreak in Michigan appears to be slowing. It is unclear if the other outbreaks are connected, and health officials are still investigating other possible sources.

Low-Risk Fruits and Vegetables

While the outbreak has sparked concern over the safety of fresh produce, experts say that certain types of fruits and vegetables are less likely to be contaminated with cyclospora. These include produce with a thick skin that can be thoroughly peeled, such as bananas, avocados, and pineapple. Produce with a smooth surface, such as melons, cucumbers, and carrots, are also considered lower risk.

Cooking produce to an internal temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit is the only effective way to kill cyclospora, according to experts. Freezing alone is not a reliable way to prevent cyclospora, but commercially frozen fruits and vegetables are typically blanched before being frozen, which can lower the risk of contamination.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.