If you’ve been following the news, you’ve likely seen reports of a nationwide Cyclospora outbreak. While South Carolina has reported fewer cases than many other states, this is still an outbreak worth paying attention to – especially because investigators still have not identified the food responsible.
As a Registered Dietitian, food safety is part of my professional training. Throughout my career, I’ve completed ServSafe® food safety training and certification, and foodborne illness prevention has always been an important part of my work. While outbreaks of foodborne illness certainly happen, I’ve never seen one quite like this. Since cases first began increasing in May 2026, neither the CDC nor the FDA has identified the specific food responsible for this outbreak, making it difficult to know exactly what to avoid.
Based on the investigations so far, experts suspect the source is commercially grown fresh produce, but no specific fruit, vegetable, farm, grower, or distributor has been identified. Until we know more, I think it’s reasonable to take a few extra precautions—particularly if you’re pregnant, have a weakened immune system, are caring for young children, or simply want to reduce your risk.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite—not a bacteria or virus—that can contaminate food and cause an intestinal infection called Cyclosporiasis.
Unlike many stomach bugs that appear within a day or two, symptoms often don’t begin until about one week after exposure, and they can last for several weeks. Some people even experience symptoms that improve and then return again one to two weeks later.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating
- Excessive gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
The greatest concern with Cyclospora isn’t usually the parasite itself – it’s the dehydration and unintentional weight loss that can result from prolonged diarrhea and vomiting. Most hospitalizations associated with Cyclospora are due to dehydration.
Although South Carolina has reported relatively few confirmed cases, the true number is likely higher. Many people recover at home without seeking medical care, and Cyclospora requires a specific stool test that isn’t routinely performed unless healthcare providers suspect it.
Why Is This Outbreak Different?
One of the most unusual aspects of this outbreak is that investigators still don’t know what food is causing it.
Both the CDC and FDA continue investigating, but at this time:
- No specific fruit or vegetable has been identified.
- No farm or grower has been identified.
- No commercial brand has been linked to the outbreak.
- Investigators suspect fresh commercially grown produce based on patients’ food histories, but this has not yet been confirmed.
Because the source remains unknown and the outbreak has been so widespread, many experts believe the contaminated food likely originated from a large commercial growing operation rather than a small local farm.
Can You Wash Cyclospora Off Produce?
Unfortunately, no.
The FDA advises that rinsing produce under running water, soaking it in vinegar, or using commercial produce washes does not reliably remove Cyclospora.
Washing produce is still important because it helps remove dirt and many other contaminants, but it should not be relied upon to eliminate this parasite.
Currently, cooking is the only reliable way to destroy Cyclospora.
How I’m Recommending My Clients Reduce Their Risk
Because we still don’t know the exact source, my recommendations are focused on reducing potential exposure while still encouraging plenty of fruits and vegetables.
For the time being, I recommend:
- Choosing cooked vegetables instead of raw salads whenever possible.
- Purchasing locally grown produce when eating fruits and vegetables raw.
- Supporting local farmers and farmers markets whenever possible.
- Thoroughly washing all produce under cool running water, recognizing that washing alone does not eliminate Cyclospora.
- Choosing canned vegetables and fruits when appropriate.
- Using frozen vegetables, which are typically blanched before freezing and are a convenient option for cooking.
This is intended as a temporary precaution while investigators continue working to identify the source of the outbreak. South Carolina’s number of confirmed cases remains relatively low, but until we have more answers, these are practical steps that may help reduce risk.
There has never been a better time to support our local farmers. Buying produce grown close to home not only supports our local agricultural community but may also reduce reliance on large commercial supply chains while this investigation continues.
Some wonderful ways to find local produce throughout Upstate South Carolina include:
- Greenville Saturday Market (Saturday’s)
- State Farmers Market (Mon – Sat)
- BridgeWay Farmers Market (Thursday’s)
- Greer Farmers Market (Sunday’s)
- Traveler’s Rest Farmers Market (Saturday’s)
- Simpsonville Farmers Market (Saturday’s)
- Farmers Market at Fountain Inn (Saturday’s)
- Swamp Rabbit Grocery (Greenville)
- Fisher’s Orchard (Greer)
- Topsoil Kitchen and Market (Traveler’s Rest)
- Tomato Vine (Greenville)
Questions & Answers
Should I avoid all raw fruits and vegetables?
No. Fruits and vegetables remain an important part of a healthy diet.
If you’re planning to eat produce raw, I recommend choosing locally grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Until investigators identify the source of the outbreak, I would be more cautious with commercially grown raw produce purchased through large retailers.
What if I already have vegetables from the grocery store?
Don’t throw them away.
Instead, consider cooking vegetables before eating them, as cooking is the most reliable way to destroy Cyclospora.
Are organic fruits and vegetables safer?
No.
Both organic and conventionally grown produce can become contaminated with Cyclospora. Choosing organic does not reduce the risk of this parasite.
What about frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables?
These can all be excellent options while the investigation continues.
Commercially canned fruits and vegetables undergo heat processing. Frozen vegetables are typically blanched before freezing and are intended to be cooked before eating. Frozen fruit and dried fruit have not commonly been associated with Cyclospora outbreaks.
What about salads?
If you’re making salads at home, I recommend purchasing locally grown greens whenever possible (or using ones from your garden!).
If you’re purchasing commercially grown lettuce, choose whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-cut salad mixes. Remove the outer 2-3 layers of leaves, then wash the remaining leaves thoroughly under running water before preparing your salad.
What about eating at restaurants?
If you know a restaurant sources its produce locally, that’s a great option.
If not, and you’re concerned about reducing your risk while this outbreak continues, I’d recommend choosing menu items that feature cooked vegetables rather than raw salads or garnishes until more information becomes available.
Can I catch Cyclospora from another person?
Direct person-to-person transmission is considered very unlikely. Cyclospora requires time in the environment before it becomes infectious, so it is not typically spread directly between people like many stomach viruses.
What about pregnancy or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant, I recommend choosing cooked fruits and vegetables and limiting commercially grown raw produce until investigators identify the source of the outbreak.
The biggest concern during pregnancy is prolonged diarrhea and dehydration, which can become more serious during pregnancy. If you develop persistent diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Cyclospora is not known to pass through breast milk. However, significant diarrhea and dehydration may temporarily reduce milk supply, making hydration especially important for breastfeeding mothers.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
Seek medical care if you experience:
- Persistent watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, decreased urination, extreme thirst, or weakness)
- Significant weight loss
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pregnancy with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
- A weakened immune system with ongoing symptoms
Because Cyclospora requires specific testing, let your healthcare provider know if you’re concerned about possible exposure.
The Bottom Line
While South Carolina has seen fewer confirmed cases than many other states, this outbreak serves as an important reminder that food safety matters.
Until investigators identify the source, my practical advice is simple:
- Continue eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- When possible, choose locally grown produce for foods you plan to eat raw.
- Choose cooked vegetables over raw salads, especially when eating away from home.
- Support your local farmers.
- Start a home garden!
Hopefully, the CDC and FDA will soon identify the source so we can return to enjoying all produce with greater confidence. Until then, a few temporary precautions can help reduce your risk while still allowing you to enjoy a nutritious, produce-rich diet.
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