The foods to avoid for cyclospora, the ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite

(NewsNation) — Health officials are continuing to urge people and restaurants to practice food safety and handle fresh fruits and vegetables with extra care as cyclosporiasis cases rise.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 1,645 confirmed cases of the foodborne parasite across 34 U.S. states, and 141 people have been hospitalized as a result. The CDC said the people who got it became sick in the U.S. and have not reported traveling in the last two weeks.

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Cyclosporiasis is a form of food poisoning caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is transmitted by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces.

With an investigation ongoing, the exact source of the outbreak isn't yet known, but in the past, Cyclospora has largely been found on fresh fruits and vegetables that were contaminated by irrigation water tainted with feces.

The National Institutes of Health said the most commonly contaminated foods have been raspberries, basil, cilantro, green onions, snow peas, lettuce and salad mixes.

So far, health officials in Michigan suspect lettuce and salad greens are to blame for the most recent outbreak.

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To avoid contamination, health officials say people should wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before handling any food. Also, when washing items like cilantro and basil, separate the leaves. For green onions, cut off the roots, remove the outer layer and run them under water while rubbing the surface.

They also suggest that washing fruits and vegetables in warm water with vinegar will help eliminate the parasite.

Yes, health officials say any frozen fruits and vegetables or cooked foods are safe.

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