A parasite outbreak has now spread across nine states, but federal health officials say no product samples have tested positive for cyclospora so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded its investigation to include Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan.
The outbreak first drew national attention on July 17, when the Food and Drug Administration said it had found cyclospora in iceberg lettuce sold by Taylor Farms de Mexico to Taco Bell restaurants and Walmart stores, triggering a recall. Since the first case was reported in May, thousands of Americans have been sickened. Despite that, the FDA currently states that no product samples have been confirmed as testing positive for cyclospora.
According to Healthline, experts say there is no reason for people to stop eating fruits and vegetables. David Michalik, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Miller Children's and Women's Hospital in Long Beach, California, told the outlet that "produce remains a key part of a healthy diet, and its benefits far outweigh the current risk of infection." He added that "public health officials are urging caution with certain items linked to this outbreak, particularly bagged or shredded iceberg lettuce, and potentially whole heads as well."
The cyclospora parasite can end up on produce when crops are irrigated or washed with water contaminated by human feces. The parasite is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, but seasonal outbreaks in the United States tend to occur between May and August during warmer months.
Registered dietitian Meridan Zerner, founder of Meridan Zerner Nutrition in Dallas, Texas, pointed to specific foods that have been involved in past cyclospora outbreaks. "Previously, foods like iceberg/leafy lettuce, fresh cilantro, fresh basil leaves, raspberries, snow peas/snap peas, and green onions have been identified in cyclospora outbreaks and could be treated cautiously, out of an abundance of caution, until we know more details," she said.
Experts note that cutting fruits and vegetables out of a diet entirely carries its own health risks. Avoiding them can lead to vitamin deficiencies and an unbalanced gut microbiome. Monique Richard, another registered dietitian nutritionist interviewed by Healthline, noted that fear over outbreaks can push people toward unnecessarily restrictive eating.
Health officials recommend that consumers stay informed about any product recalls tied to the outbreak and continue washing all produce thoroughly before eating it. The CDC investigation is ongoing.