Health officials are urging families to take extra precautions with fresh produce as the new school year begins following a sharp increase in reported cyclospora cases in Missouri and Kansas.
Missouri health data released August 16 show nearly 2,000 cases of the foodborne parasite, up from 216 in late July. Kansas is reporting 748 cases. Because symptoms can take one to two weeks to develop, officials say children exposed to the parasite at the start of the school year may not become sick until days later.
Officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak. While recalled lettuce linked to the outbreak has been removed from store shelves, health officials say there is no need to avoid fresh produce altogether. They recommend thoroughly washing produce under running water, while noting that cooking vegetables is the most reliable way to kill the parasite.
Cyclospora infections most commonly cause frequent, watery diarrhea. Parents are encouraged to contact their doctor and specifically request cyclospora testing if their child develops symptoms in the coming weeks.
