SAN DIEGO (CNS) - While no local increase in the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis has been reported locally, San Diego County public health officials today urged the public to take food safety seriously.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,645 confirmed cases of the illness across 34 states, with more than 5,100 additional cases still under investigation. The CDC has not identified a specific source yet.
Locally, the county has logged eight cases so far in 2026, about in line with the 15-20 seen in a typical year. Most of these cases tend to stem from international travel.
Cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, usually spreads through contaminated food or water, particularly fresh produce.
Case counts typically trend up in May through August each year. Once produce is contaminated, the parasite can only be eliminated by cooking, the county said.
Cases are confirmed by lab testing of stool samples through medical providers. It is marked by watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea, fatigue and sometimes a low-grade fever, with symptoms arriving between two days to two weeks after exposure.
Severe cases, generally in young children, older adults and immunocompromised people, can lead to dehydration and require hospitalization. Nationwide, about 9% of reported cases have resulted in hospitalization, according to a county statement.
To prevent the illness, the CDC recommends safe food-handling steps such as washing hands before and after handling fresh produce, rinsing all produce, and scrubbing firmer fruits such as melons and cucumbers. You can also cut out bruised or spoiled sections of fruits and vegetables, refrigerate any cut, peeled or cooked produce within two hours and heat up cooked food—preferable to raw—to at least 158F to kill the parasite.
Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.
