Cases of cyclosporiasis — an illness caused by a microscopic parasite often linked to contaminated fresh produce — continue to climb across the U.S.this summer, with outbreaks in 15 states linked to iceberg lettuce from Mexico.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that nearly 7,000 cases have been reported, with nearly 300 hospitalizations and two deaths, while recent data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in 47 states across the United States.The CDC is continuing to investigate this multistate surge and health officials in hard-hit areas are urging residents to take extra precautions with the produce they eat.So what exactly is cyclosporiasis, and how worried should you be? I have been monitoring the updates about cyclosporiasis as cases reported increase across the country and have updated this story to reflect the most current information known about it.
Read on for everything you need to know — including which specific products have been linked to it and produce-washing items that can help you reduce your risk of infection.Selected.Our top picksBest for firm produceOXO Good Grips Vegetable Brush$undefined$9.95AmazonLearn moreBest for lettuceFarberware Salad Spinner $24.40$27.99AmazonLearn moreBest for cooked produceTempPro TempSwift Digital Thermometer$9.99$19.99AmazonLearn moreRelatedselectedselected1.5 million cartons of eggs have been recalled for Salmonella — here’s what you need to know (and do) to stay safeWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.What is cyclosporiasis and how do you get it? Experts told NBC News that cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis, or Cyclospora for short, which people contract by consuming food or water contaminated with feces.
The recent outbreak has mostly been linked back to iceberg lettuce — specific...