1. Wash Fresh Produce Thoroughly
Rinse fruits and vegetables under clean running water before eating, even if you plan to peel them.
Avoid washing produce with soap, bleach, or household disinfectants.
2. Refrigerate Perishable Foods
Keep fresh produce refrigerated when appropriate and avoid leaving cut fruits or vegetables at room temperature for extended periods.
3. Stay Informed About Recalls
If health authorities announce a recall involving fresh produce:
- Do not eat the affected product.
- Throw it away or return it to the store.
- Wash any containers or surfaces that came into contact with it.
4. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and water:
- Before preparing food
- Before eating
- After using the restroom
- After handling raw produce
5. Prevent Cross-Contamination
Use separate cutting boards for fresh produce and raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
Clean kitchen utensils and countertops after food preparation.
Can Washing Remove Cyclospora Completely?
Washing produce helps remove dirt and some germs, but it may not completely eliminate Cyclospora if contamination is present.
That’s why monitoring food recalls and following public health guidance are also important.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Anyone can become infected, but illness may be more severe in:
- Older adults
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
Diagnosis
Cyclospora infection is diagnosed with specialized stool tests ordered by a healthcare provider. Routine stool tests may not always detect the parasite, so it’s important to mention recent travel or possible exposure if you’re experiencing prolonged diarrhea.
Treatment
Cyclosporiasis is treatable. The standard treatment is a prescription antibiotic, typically trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). People who are allergic to sulfa medications should discuss alternative management options with their healthcare provider.
Do not self-medicate with antibiotics without professional advice.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Diarrhea lasting more than a few days
- Severe dehydration
- Bloody stools
- Persistent vomiting
- High fever
- Significant weight loss
- Symptoms after eating food involved in a recall
Seek emergency care if you develop signs of severe dehydration, such as confusion, dizziness, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down.