Health officials across the D.C. metropolitan region are tracking an increase in cyclosporiasis cases this summer, with: Maryland reporting 110 infections since May 1; Virginia confirming 79 cases—more than double its five-year average for this point in the season; and the District reporting six cases, none of which has been linked to a local outbreak.
“Practicing good hand hygiene and thoroughly washing all fresh produce under running water before eating or cooking are fundamental food safety habits,” Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb said, urging residents to take precautions during the height of the summer produce season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has continued investigating multiple cyclospora outbreaks nationwide, including one linked to recalled iceberg lettuce distributed in at least 27 states. Federal officials said the lettuce investigation is one of several ongoing investigations and that many reported illnesses are unrelated to that outbreak.
Maryland has recorded the highest number of cases in the region. According to state health officials, 27 infections were acquired domestically, 47 were associated with international travel, and 36 remain under investigation. Montgomery County accounts for 19 confirmed cases, the highest total reported by any Maryland jurisdiction.
Virginia has confirmed 79 cases, a figure officials said exceeds twice the state’s historical five-year average for this stage of the reporting season. Twelve of those infections have been reported in the Northern Health Region, which includes Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties.
The District has reported six cases since May 1. According to DC Health, most involved residents who recently traveled outside the United States, and officials have not identified a local cluster or community outbreak associated with District residents.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora cayetanensis. According to health officials, in the United States, infections have frequently been linked to contaminated fresh produce. People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, but direct person-to-person spread is considered unlikely because the organism requires time outside the human body before it becomes infectious.
Symptoms generally begin about a week after exposure, although they may develop anywhere from two days to two weeks later. The illness commonly causes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Without treatment, symptoms can continue for several weeks and sometimes return after initially improving.
People around the DMV and nation are taking precautions due to the confirmed cases.
“Incredibly unfortunate how rampant this cyclospora outbreak is with no concrete actions taken except the telephone tag these companies are doing,” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’ve been cooking all vegetables at home and had one takeout soup since hearing the news. You don’t [want to] mess with your gut health.”
The CDC advises people experiencing symptoms to contact a health care provider because routine stool tests do not always include screening for cyclospora. Public health officials may also interview patients about foods they ate during the two weeks before becoming ill to help identify contaminated products and trace potential outbreaks.
Nationwide, the CDC has received reports of 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestically acquired cases since May 1 and says more than 7,400 additional reports are awaiting laboratory confirmation and further investigation. The agency has begun issuing weekly surveillance updates because several states are reporting substantially more cases than during the same period last year.
Federal investigators are also examining a multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The company recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17 after illnesses were connected to products distributed to retailers and restaurants. Consumers are being advised not to eat recalled lettuce, to throw it away or return it, and to wash surfaces that may have come into contact with the product.
Health officials continue to recommend washing hands before preparing food, rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water, refrigerating cut produce promptly and paying attention to food recall notices. The CDC notes that washing produce alone cannot guarantee removal of cyclospora, while cooking food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the parasite.
“Thoroughly washing all fresh produce under running water before eating or cooking are fundamental food safety habits that can help keep you and your families safe year-round,” Webb said.
