Florida cyclosporiasis cases have jumped to 342 cases since May 1 in 42 of Florida's 67 counties, increasing 34.6% in one week.
Nationally, the news is even worse, with more than 10,000 confirmed cases in 47 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Confirmation is pending for 12,255 additional cases, the CDC said on Aug. 4.
To help you keep you and your family safe, we rounded up answers to common questions in this quick-hit guide, including five tips on how you can have lettuce during the outbreaks.
➤ Florida cyclosporiasis cases spreading fast
The largest outbreak has been connected to iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico and distributed by California-based Taylor Farms. The Food and Drug Administration is also investigating
smaller outbreaks around the United States.
Florida's cases have not been linked to any specific outbreak.
What is cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads when people eat food or water contaminated with stool, i.e. poop, according to the CDC. The parasite can be on fresh produce, particularly items like lettuce and other leafy greens often eaten raw.
When people eat food or drink water contaminated with cyclospora, they can get an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis.
How do you get cyclospora?
Cyclospora is generally transmitted when infected feces — poop — contaminates food or water.
Cyclospora is believed to only infect humans and spread through human fecal matter, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Does cyclospora spread person to person?
No. Cyclospora is a food- or water-borne parasite that does not spread person to person, and you can't get it from a bathroom, although it is known as the "poop parasite."
Symptoms of cyclospora
Symptoms of cyclospora include:
- watery diarrhea
- weight loss
- bloating
- fatigue
Symptoms can last for weeks.
Who has highest risk of getting cycloporiasis?
Anyone can get cyclosporiasis, but those with these conditions have higher risk for more severe illness or complications, including severe dehydration:
- weakened immune systems
- elderly
- children
How long does it take cyclospora symptoms to start?
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about one week, though it can range from two to 14 days or more, according to the FDA.
I have cyclosporiasis. How long will I be sick?
If your symptoms last more than a week and then it comes and goes for weeks, that’s likely cyclosporiasis, according to Your Local Epidemiologist.
Can I eat lettuce during cyclospora outbreak?
Yes, but there are some precautions you should take to avoid cyclospora since the only sure way to kill the parasite is by cooking.
5 tips to protect yourself from cyclospora during outbreak
Tips to protect yourself from cyclospora if you want lettuce include:
- Do not eat any lettuce listed by the FDA, especially from Taylor Farms of Mexico
- Avoid bagged salads, salad kits and boxed salads at the grocery store and restaurants.
- Buy whole lettuce, remove two to three of the outer-layer leaves and wash thoroughly under running water.
- Buying localreduces — but doesn't eliminate — your risk since cyclospora lives in soil and contaminated water.
- Grow your own.
Can cyclospora be killed by cooking or freezing?
Cooking foodto an internal temperature of 158 degrees is the only known way to kill cyclospora, according to the FDA and Your Local Epidemiologist.
A typical home freezer isn’t cold enough to kill the parasite. Research shows you’d need -4 degrees for at least two days.
Contributor: C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network-Florida
Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Quick answers to cyclospora questions. 5 tips to safely eating lettuce
