Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite derived from human feces, is taking 41 states, including North Carolina, by storm. Since May, more than 11,000 cases of cyclosporiasis – the foodborne illness derived from the consumption of produce infected by Cyclospora – have been reported.
In North Carolina, 940 cases have been reported since May. Although not contagious, people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of being infected with this illness.
“We’ve never seen anything like this, this is just an astonishingly large outbreak, record-setting outbreak,” said Susan Mayne, an adjunct professor at the Yale School of Public Health.
The cyclosporiasis outbreak has spurred conversation about the Trump administration’s part in exacerbating this growing public health concern due to cuts to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
During his second term as president, Trump slashed grants for the CDC by 40%, and the FDA lost about 20% of its staff. The CDC also lost 25% of its staff, with its eleven scientists who track food parasites down to only three due to cuts.
Farmers have also been affected by these cuts, causing them to take matters into their own hands by creating coalitions with other farmers to promote strict food-safety protocols.
The consequences of Trump’s dismissal of food safety investment are not only affecting federal agencies, but also state agencies as well.
Federal funding from federal agencies such as the FDA and CDC typically supports state public health agencies, however, as a result of cuts, those funds are divested, leaving the public without adequate information about foodborne outbreaks and precautions.
“Delays, lack of clarity and time in solving problems are all symptoms of this broader issue that our public health – and in particular state and local public health departments – are in crisis, that confusion itself, and the period of time it’s taken them to solve the outbreak is a real cost to public health,” said Sarah Sorscher, Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Cyclospora has been linked to certain food items such as Taylor Farms bagged salads, some fruit, and fresh herbs, but a vast majority of fresh fruits and vegetables have not been associated with the outbreak.
Regardless, recommended food safety practices should be followed when consuming food items that have not been recalled.
Cooking produce at 158°F is the most reliable way to destroy Cyclospora, and commercially frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are considered low-risk alternatives to fresh fruits and vegetables.
NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has compiled a list of food safety tips to protect against the parasite.
For information about how to stay safe from Cyclospora in North Carolina, check out this handy guide from the NCDHHS and stay tuned for updates from public health officials about this growing public health issue.
