Nearly 400 people across New York State have been sickened by a parasitic illness since May 1, part of a nationwide outbreak that has now reached 31 states with no food source yet identified.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald confirmed the statewide case count in a July statement, warning that cases will keep climbing until investigators pinpoint the contaminated food. "This epidemic will come to a close. But right now we're in it… and until the source of the food is identified… we're just going to see more and more cases nationally," McDonald said.
The CDC reported 843 confirmed cases across 31 states as of Thursday, July 10, and acknowledged it is aware of more than 1,500 additional reports requiring further analysis. Michigan remains the hardest-hit state with more than 1,500 cases and 40 hospitalizations. No deaths have been linked to the outbreak.
No Westchester County-specific case numbers have been released. But the cyclosporiasis season runs through August, according to state health data, and officials say the risk applies to all New Yorkers who eat fresh produce.
What is cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. People get sick by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the organism, according to the New York State Department of Health. It does not spread directly from person to person.
Past U.S. outbreaks have been linked to fresh cilantro, salad mixes, basil, snow peas, and raspberries. Health officials have not identified a specific food tied to the current outbreak and have not issued a recall.
Symptoms and treatment
The most common symptom is watery diarrhea that can last weeks or even months if untreated, sometimes in a relapsing pattern. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms typically appear about a week after exposure but can take two days to two weeks.
Standard stool tests do not detect cyclospora. A doctor must specifically order the test. The recommended treatment is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, sold as Bactrim or Septra, taken for seven to 10 days.
Infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness from dehydration.
How to protect yourself
The state health department recommends:
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling produce.
- Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.
- Scrub firm produce with a clean brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before eating.
- Refrigerate cut produce within two hours.
- Cook vegetables when possible. Heating food to 158 degrees Fahrenheit or higher kills the parasite.
Michigan, the hardest-hit state, has additionally recommended buying whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed bagged salad mixes, and removing the outer two to three leaves before washing.
What to do if you get sick
Residents who develop prolonged watery diarrhea should contact their doctor and specifically request a cyclospora test. Anyone diagnosed with cyclosporiasis should respond if contacted by their local health department to help investigators trace the source.
New York State DOH public information officer Marissa Crary said the department is working with local health departments to identify potential clusters and encouraged all New Yorkers to follow food-safety best practices through the summer.
The Westchester County Department of Health can be reached at 914-813-5000.
