Cyclospora outbreak drives consumers toward farmers markets

A nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak has led to thousands of reported cases and multiple deaths in Michigan. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating the outbreak across nine states, including Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan.

Concerns over contaminated produce have shifted consumer shopping habits, with a reported surge in demand at farmers markets for locally grown greens. In Ohio, some vendors have sold out shortly after opening as shoppers seek alternatives to large commercial supply chains. While the FDA previously investigated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, it noted that a sample result was a false positive; currently, no specific product samples have been confirmed as testing positive.

Health experts note that while Cyclospora can be found in fruits and vegetables grown with contaminated water, there is currently no recommendation to avoid produce entirely. The CDC advises consumers to wash hands and rinse fresh produce thoroughly, though officials warn that washing may not entirely eliminate the parasite.