Recent foodborne illness outbreaks linked to fresh produce have many parents wondering about cyclospora in kids and what symptoms to watch for. Summer is the season of fresh berries, barbecues, and colorful salads, making it understandable to have questions about how this parasite spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to keep your family safe. We spoke with Dr. Paul Thottingal, an infectious disease specialist at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle, to explain what parents need to know about cyclospora and the simple steps families can take to reduce their risk this summer.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a small, single-celled parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that can make people very sick. Dr. Thottingal explained, “It’s most often associated with travel to countries where cyclospora is found more often in the food or water supply. But in the United States, it’s generally associated with food products, particularly fresh food products.”
This is not the first Cyclospora outbreak. Typically, outbreaks are reported each summer, between May and August, when people consume more fresh produce. It’s commonly associated with fresh berries and leafy greens. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is the largest outbreak reported, with multiple states impacted, which can explain the more prominent media coverage.
One challenge with cyclospora is its longer incubation period compared with many other foodborne illnesses. Symptoms typically develop 3 to 14 days after exposure, making it harder for families to remember exactly what they ate and for health officials to trace the source. The CDC has linked this current outbreak to iceberg lettuce in 9 states, but other products could be included as tracing continues.
How does Cyclospora affect kids?
Cyclosporiasis can affect people of any age, but young children and immunocompromised people are more vulnerable to illness. Dr. Thottingal explained that contracting this parasite is especially dangerous for children under age 5. “For kids who have profound watery diarrhea and nausea or vomiting, they can become dehydrated pretty quickly. We always advise that parents notify their clinician because they don’t have a lot of reserve. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the symptoms, and they develop quickly. They might pee less, have a dry mouth, produce no tears when they cry, and they might be lethargic. But parents would be more likely to call their clinician because of the profound diarrhea.” If your children present those symptoms, reach out to your medical team. There are tests that can determine if cyclosporiasis is present, and doctors can prescribe an antibiotic to treat it.
3 Ways to protect your family from cyclospora and other foodborne illnesses
Regardless of the time of year or specific outbreak being reported on, there are three things you can do to help protect your family from cyclosporiasis and other food-related illnesses.
1 Stay Up to Date on Food Recalls and Outbreaks
Staying informed about the current outbreaks and recalls on food products is important. The Washington Department of Health website provides the most current information parents need. You can subscribe to receive alerts whenever there’s an updated recall to be aware of on the Food Recalls and Safety Alerts page.
The CDC is another resource for staying up to date on public health situations at the federal level. This is helpful if you are traveling to other parts of the country or want more in-depth information. The Health Alert Network allows you to receive email alerts about public health incidents.
2 Clean Your Produce and Surfaces
Summertime is the season for fresh produce. It’s best practice to wash everything well and store any unused items in the fridge. Dr. Thottingal gives two important tips when bringing fresh produce into your home. “Wash the products really thoroughly under running water through all the crevices. Then wash your hands with soap and water and rinse out the sink really well.” If a product is contaminated, this will help ensure you do not continue spreading it to other surfaces.
3 Know the Symptoms of Cyclospora
If anyone in your family has been potentially exposed and is experiencing symptoms, talk to your medical team to determine next steps. As we mentioned earlier, dehydration can set in quickly in young children, so it’s important to intervene. Cyclosporiasis sometimes starts, stops, and then starts again, especially in adults and older children. If everyone in the family has consumed the same product, it’s common for the younger children to notice symptoms first. Any sign of dehydration, abdominal pain or cramping, and diarrhea should prompt a call to the medical team. Other viruses, like Norovirus, can cause similar symptoms. Doctors can analyze and help determine the best course of action.
The government is tracking reported cases and working to trace any sources of the parasite. If someone in your household tests positive and you still have the produce or the packaging, hang on to it and pass that information along to the data collectors. This can help protect others and determine where the outbreak stemmed from.
Dr. Paul Thottingal is an infectious disease specialist and senior medical director for communicable diseases at Kaiser Permanente in Seattle.
