North Carolina health officials are investigating parsley and cilantro as potential sources of a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has led to hundreds of cases and multiple hospitalizations in the state. The illness, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is characterized by severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including watery and explosive diarrhea.
State health officials stated that parsley, cilantro, and lettuce have been repeatedly mentioned in interviews with patients who have fallen ill. While the link to these herbs has not been confirmed, it emerged from patient interviews. This marks a departure from previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks, which have often been linked to other produce like lettuce.
North Carolina has reported 561 cases of cyclosporiasis and 16 hospitalizations to date. The parasite spreads through contaminated food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Symptoms typically develop within a week of infection.
This outbreak in North Carolina is believed to be separate from a larger, nationwide outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. That outbreak has sickened thousands across more than nine states, including Michigan, which has recorded over 9,000 infections, and Wisconsin. Overall, more than 11,000 Americans have fallen ill and 98 have been hospitalized with the disease this year.
Health officials are currently tracking six separate outbreaks of cyclospora nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged epidemiological and traceback data indicating that iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico was contaminated and caused illness. Taylor Farms has issued a recall for its lettuce and halted production at its affected facility.
To mitigate the risk of infection, health authorities are advising individuals to thoroughly wash all fresh herbs and produce before consumption. Recommendations also include cutting away any damaged or bruised areas and peeling outer leaves from produce. The contamination of herbs like parsley and cilantro could occur if they are irrigated with water containing the parasite.