16 july 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : A widespread outbreak of Cyclospora, a foodborne parasite, has sickened thousands of people across the United States, with contaminated fresh produce and salad ingredients under scrutiny.
The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis causes an intestinal infection known as cyclosporiasis, which can lead to prolonged and sometimes severe diarrhoea. The outbreak has renewed concerns about food safety and contamination in raw produce.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the digestive system. People typically become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and salad ingredients have been linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks.
Symptoms Can Be Severe and Prolonged
The infection may cause:
- Frequent watery diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Bloating and gas
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Occasional fever
Symptoms can last for weeks and may return if the infection is not properly treated.
How Does It Spread?
Cyclospora is generally transmitted through contaminated food or water. It is not usually spread directly from one person to another because the parasite needs time outside the body to become infectious.
Health officials often investigate food supply chains and fresh produce sources during outbreaks.
Treatment and Prevention
Cyclospora infection requires medical diagnosis and prescription treatment. People experiencing persistent diarrhoea should consult a healthcare professional.
To reduce the risk of foodborne infections, experts recommend washing fresh produce thoroughly, practising good hand hygiene, and following official food safety advisories.