The 411 on the Cyclospora Outbreak
Parasite has been linked to packaged salad mixes.
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Sick to Your Stomach - As of Wednesday, more than 370 people in at least 15 states have been sickened by a severe stomach bug that some authorities have linked to prepackaged salad mixes. Keep reading for a closer look at the nasty stomach bug and how you can protect yourself and your family. — Britt Middleton (Photo: AP Photo/Centerd for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Iowa and Nebraska - Health officials in Iowa and Nebraska on Tuesday linked the outbreak of cyclospora, a single-celled parasite, to a packaged salad blend that included iceberg lettuce, romaine, red cabbage and carrots. (Photo: GettyImages)
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Getting a "Clear Picture" - While a specific brand name was not identified, a Nebraska health department spokeswoman told Time that it has partnered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to get a "clear picture" of which distributers were involved and if they share a common source, such as a farm or producer. (Photo: GettyImages)
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Searching for a Link - Federal health officials have not yet confirmed if prepackaged salad is linked to illnesses in other states. Among the reported cases, at least 24 people have been sickened in Florida and more than 120 in Texas. Reports of illness have also surfaced in Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin. (Photo: GettyImages)
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A Closer Look at Cyclospora - Cyclospora infection, or cyclosporiasis, is caused when a person ingests food or water contaminated with feces. Contamination occurs when foods like fresh produce come in direct contact with an infected person or contaminated water. Some health experts say fruit and vegetables grown or packed outside of the U.S. may have increased risk of contamination. (Photo: UPI Photo /Landov)
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Physical Symptoms - Cyclosporiasis causes severe diarrhea, body aches, fever, vomiting or other flu-like symptoms. It takes about one week before a person will experience the symptoms and they can last from anywhere from a few days to a month or longer. After diagnosis, a doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics for treatment. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Who Is at Risk? - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most of the illnesses were reported between mid-June and early July, so if you haven't experienced symptoms yet, you are likely in the clear. (Photo: Courtesy Center for Disease Control)
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Previous Cases - United Press International reports that previous epidemics of cyclosporiasis have been traced to contaminated lettuce, basil and raspberries grown in Guatemala, Mexico and the U.S. Because cyclospora cannot survive freezing temperatures, it is not common on crops grown in colder seasons, such as spinach, broccoli or greens harvested in the winter months. (Photo: GettyImages)
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Keep It Clean - The parasite is killed in water heated to 60 degrees or higher. Therefore, washing your produce with warm water or cooking it can eliminate potential risk. Visit Foodsafety.gov for more food handling tips and updates about foods recalled due to safety concerns. (Photo: GettyImages)
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Further Prevention - It's a step you probably learned as a youngster, but washing your hands is a tried-and-true way to cut down on the spread of cyclospora and other harmful germs. It's imperative that you do so after using the restroom, touch food, handle diapers or pet waste or come in contact with other contaminated surfaces. (Photo: GettyImages)