07/11/2026
Washing your hands after using the bathroom, before preparing food and before eating, has always been standard good hygiene practice.
With the current cyclospora outbreak occurring in numerous states (including New York), it is more important than ever to wash your hands before touching food, and to carefully wash/rinse ALL raw produce, including herbs, fruits, and vegetables, bagged salads, etc. In addition, follow food recommendations for safe preparation and storage by cutting away damaged or bruised areas of produce. To further reduce the risk of this illness, it is also recommended to not eat raw produce.
Untreated cyclosporaisis can last a few days, to in some cases, for many weeks. This illness is caused by a microscopic parasite usually found in food or water contaminated with f***s. Unfortunately, as of this post, the specific source has not yet been identified.
Symptoms include: frequent, explosive watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and severe fatigue. Signs of infection usually appear one week after consuming contaminated food or water, but can develop anywhere from 2 to 14 days later. Dehydration is a big concern.
If you think you may have developed
cyclosporiasis, consult your healthcare provider or visit an urgent care clinic to request a stool test and discuss appropriate treatment.
The Department is urging New Yorkers to thoroughly wash all fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables and practice good hand hygiene as cases of cyclosporiasis are on the rise. The infection can cause severe diarrhea. Wash your hands before and after handling fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs and wash raw fruits, vegetables and herbs before preparing or eating. Additional information: on.ny.gov/4pimJI0