Health officials in the DC metropolitan region are tracking an increase in cyclosporiasis cases this summer. Maryland has reported 110 infections since May 1, while Virginia has confirmed 79 cases, more than double its five-year average for this point in the season. The District has reported six cases, none of which have been linked to a local outbreak.

Cause and Prevention

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora cayetanensis. According to health officials, in the United States, infections have frequently been linked to contaminated fresh produce. People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, but direct person-to-person spread is considered unlikely because the organism requires time outside the human body before it becomes infectious.

Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb urged residents to take precautions during the height of the summer produce season, saying, “Practicing good hand hygiene and thoroughly washing all fresh produce under running water before eating or cooking are fundamental food safety habits.”

National Investigation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued investigating multiple cyclospora outbreaks nationwide, including one linked to recalled iceberg lettuce distributed in at least 27 states. Federal officials said the lettuce investigation is one of several ongoing investigations and that many reported illnesses are unrelated to that outbreak.

Nationwide, the CDC has received reports of 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cases since May 1 and says more than 7,400 additional reports are awaiting laboratory confirmation and further investigation.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.