New Jersey reports typical seasonal rise in cyclosporiasis cases amid multistate outbreak
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey health officials say the state is experiencing its typical seasonal increase in cyclosporiasis cases, even as several other states report outbreaks linked to contaminated fresh produce.
The New Jersey Department of Health reported 46 cases of the gastrointestinal illness between May 1 and July 11, a total officials said falls within the state’s normal seasonal range of 30 to 50 cases. All reported cases involved people who had not traveled internationally during the 14 days before becoming ill. Officials said there are no outbreaks in New Jersey and no evidence linking New Jersey-grown produce to the multistate activity.
“At this time, we are not seeing an increase in cyclosporiasis cases here in New Jersey, and our current numbers are in line with what we’d expect for this time of year,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, New Jersey Health Commissioner. “At the same time, produce grown or packed in other states regularly ends up on New Jersey shelves, so contamination elsewhere can still reach us here. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to take a few basic precautions – like thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables – to reduce their risk of getting sick. Our teams are in close contact with local health departments and federal partners, and we will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.”
Health officials said clusters of cyclosporiasis have been reported in multiple states this summer, including a large multistate outbreak involving at least four Midwestern states. Investigators have not yet identified a specific food item responsible for the illnesses.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is typically spread by eating contaminated fresh produce or drinking contaminated water. It is not known to spread directly from person to person. In New Jersey, cases are most common between May 1 and Aug. 31.
“The New Jersey Department of Agriculture emphasizes that no produce coming from New Jersey farms has been linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak,” said Ed Wengryn, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. “To date, no New Jersey-grown produce has been identified as a source of cyclosporiasis cases. Our Jersey Fresh farmers meet the high-quality standards imposed not only through compliance with the federal Food Safety Modernization Act but also with the quality-grading standards of the Jersey Fresh program.”
Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and low-grade fever. Symptoms generally begin about one week after exposure and can last for several weeks if left untreated. The illness can be treated with antibiotics.
The Department of Health recommends washing hands before and after handling fresh produce, thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water, refrigerating cut produce promptly and cooking produce when possible. Officials noted that while washing produce can reduce the risk of illness, it does not eliminate the parasite.
The department said it continues to coordinate with local health departments and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor cases in New Jersey and nationwide.
