![\"fresh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-1843522291.jpg\" "\\"Fears")
If you happen to like fresh cilantro, you might want to avoid it for a while, as numerous Cyclosporiasis<\/a> cases have been tied to the herb.Photo via Getty Images<\/p>\nShe says the safest bet is to avoid the foods commonly associated with Cyclosporiasis, such as cilantro, bagged mixed salad greens, onions, basil, snow peas, and raspberries. Mordue described the parasite as being \u201cembedded\u201d itself in the waxy coating foods, especially leafy greens, saying that thoroughly washing fresh vegetables is not a \u201cfoolproof\u201d method.<\/p>\n
For New Yorkers unwilling to abandon their commitment to healthmaxxing, Mordue gave a small plug for locally grown produce.\n<\/p>\n
\u201c\u200aIf you have the option of having the vegetables and fruits from your own garden right now or from a local farmers market, you probably have less risk for those,\u201d She said. \u201cBecause it\u2019s something probably more centralized or something being imported that\u2019s causing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Medical treatment necessary for cyclosporiasis infection<\/p>\n
Doctors like the Chief Medical Officer of Emblem Health, Dr. Daniel Knecht, emphasized seeking testing and treatment for suspected cases of Cyclosporiasis.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Cyclospora, the most important thing is not to ignore symptoms,\u201d Knecht said. \u201cIf you develop persistent, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, or loss of appetite, especially after eating fresh produce, contact your health care provider and ask whether testing for Cyclospora is appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n
As most foodborne illnesses exhibit many of the same symptoms, doctors said it\u2019s difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Given that intense, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps and other uncomfortable symptoms may last for weeks, testing and treatment may significantly shorten what appears to be the opposite of a good time.<\/p>\n
Data released by NYCDHMH shows that reported cases in New York have been slowing in the past few days. Mordue expressed a cautious optimism about the trend, saying fewer cases could indicate that the outbreak is winding down, but it could also be due to more consumer awareness.<\/p>\n
\u201c[This] number going down right now could imply that [Cyclospora] is clearing itself out and it was just a spike and now it\u2019s no longer going to be there,\u201d Mordue said. \u201cOr that people are being more careful about what they\u2019re consuming and thus dropping the risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
The duration of the parasite\u2019s presence in the food system, she said depends largely on how it\u2019s being introduced. A single source, such as one specific produce type or a water source would mean a shorter spike in cases, however if the parasite was introduced at some point during food processing, it could mean a longer outbreak with, \u201cebbs and flows\u201d in reported cases.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
One possible contributing factor to the outbreak or its duration was the decision, under the direction of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to stop monitoring Cyclospora, along with five other foodborne illnesses through the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), a CDC led state and federal partnership to monitor common foodborne illnesses across the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201c\u200aIt is possible that it\u2019s not being regulated as carefully as it has been in the past at the federal level,\u201d Mordue said. \u201cAnd so that\u2019s why you\u2019re seeing more states actually being proactive on this with their scientists and their distribution systems.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n