07/13/2026
You might have read about the Cyclosporasis outbreak in many parts of the U.S., including the Midwest. In Kansas, we've had a few cases reported.
Cyclosporasis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection and distress. It is a food borne illness, spread through contaminated food and water.
The best thing you can do is to carefully rinse all fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting, or cooking. Scrub firm produce if you can, and remove and discard the outer leaves. of lettuce and leafy greens. Choose whole lettuce over bagged, pre-cut lettuce when possible. Heat destroys the parasite, so consider cooking your produce to minimize risk in vulnerable populations.
In previous outbreaks, lettuce, cilantro, basil, green onions, and raspberries have carried the highest risk of contamination.
This contains some good information, from our friends at Iowa Research and Extension, as does the fact sheet below. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/protect-yourself-and-your-family-during-ongoing-cyclospora-outbreak
