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Buying locally, washing produce reduces cyclosporiasis risk

Local produce is available at the Hopkinton Farmers Market, which is held at the Town Common on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Amidst a national outbreak of Cyclospora, Hopkinton’s health director is encouraging residents to buy produce locally and wash food items before consumption.

“It’s always a good practice to wash your fruits and vegetables before you eat [them],” said Health Director Shaun McAuliffe.

A gastrointestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis — caused by the parasite Cyclospora — has been detected in 31 states in recent weeks, per reporting from NPR. In Michigan alone, the number of cases has surpassed 2,600. McAuliffe explained that the total number of cases nationwide likely is higher than counts reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Normally, we rely on the CDC for counts and assistance tracking all this,” he said. “That’s just not the case these days.” McAuliffe estimated that what the CDC is reporting is half or less than half of the true total.

Cyclospora is a parasite that generally is transmitted when infected feces contaminate food or water, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, fatigue and nausea. Outbreaks historically are linked to produce such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas and mesclun lettuce. McAuliffe said that prepackaged salad kits may be one of the suspected sources of this current outbreak, though authorities still are working to confirm the source.

The outbreak is limited in Massachusetts, with only 18 cases reported in the state as of July 10. The health director said the majority of those cases — including one confirmed in Hopkinton — were related to travel.

McAuliffe offered three main recommendations for residents concerned about contracting the parasite. First, he suggested that buying more produce from local sources would reduce risk. “Focusing on locally packaged produce and fruits is your best option right now,” he said.

“Buy local is maybe the slogan of the summer,” McAuliffe added. “Go to the farmers market.”

His other two recommendations were to make sure to wash any and all produce and to be mindful when traveling. For produce that’s difficult to clean, such as cilantro or basil, McAuliffe encouraged residents to put it in a dish as it is cooking rather than using it as a garnish.

These best practices, he explained, would help residents avoid what he described as “an awful illness to have to endure.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Photo of the Day

Two goats hang out at Sunday’s Hopkinton Farmers Market at the Town Common.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR