The microscopic parasite cyclospora cayetanensis has been found recently on lettuce in the USA. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness that spreads by consuming contaminated, raw produce. This infection is often traced to fresh herbs and leafy greens, such as mesclun and iceberg lettuce, that are exposed to tainted irrigation water.
A multistate outbreak of cyclospora illnesses has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Health officials trace the source of this specific outbreak to a single supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico. The FDA is investigating whether contaminated lettuce was distributed elsewhere, especially since the outbreak affects additional states.
What to Do
Avoid lettuce until the outbreak ends. No amount of washing or vinegar will completely eliminate the parasite.
Steam or stir fry your fresh vegetables until the outbreak is over.
Cook to kill the parasite. Heat fresh produce, such as snowpeas, to 158 degrees Farienheit by blanching.
Wash and peel firm vegetables and fruit, such as cucumbers,
melons, and carrots, to remove any outer parasitic contamination.
Seek medical testing if you have symptoms such as watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Incubation periods can be 1, 2, or even 6 weeks. Symptoms may come and go. The CDC needs your help to track the outbreak.
