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The Cyclospora outbreak has reached 29 cases in Mecklenburg County, according to a county spokesperson.
The big picture: Cyclosporiasis cases, which can cause severe diarrhea, continue to climb across the country.
- People are questioning produce safety and whether washing fruits and vegetables is enough to prevent infection. Experts say washing produce may reduce — but not eliminate — the risk of infection.
The latest: There are 561 cases in North Carolina as of July 20, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data. 254 of those cases have been reported since July 14.
- Since May 1, 16 people have been hospitalized statewide, and three of those reported hospitalizations have been since July 14.
What they're saying: Health officials say consumers should follow some of the same basic food safety practices recommended to reduce the risk of Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria contamination — including avoiding bagged and precut produce for now and thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Zoom in: The Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite is normally found in human waste and feces. It spreads when contaminated water is used to grow, clean or wash produce.
- The disease often reaches its peak during the summer months, with thousands of cases every year.
- Spread from human to human is unlikely, the CDC says. This is because the parasite's eggs — called oocysts — must live outside a person's body for one to two weeks to become infectious.
What we're watching: Health officials and investigators pointed to fresh produce as the main culprit, potentially including products from Taylor Farms, which are sold at Taco Bell.
- The Food and Drug Administration said Monday it still thinks Taylor Farms lettuce is likely behind a Cyclospora outbreak, even after pulling back earlier test results linking the produce to the parasite.
Experts generally suggest avoiding bagged salads and produce until the main source is identified.
- Even if produce is labeled "prewashed" or "triple washed," some experts say consumers may want to rinse it again during the current outbreak. For lettuce and cabbage, remove the outermost leaves.
- Some restaurant owners and experts suggest cooking berries into jams or pies, and lightly cooking fresh greens to eliminate risk.
