Illinois health officials share food safety tips amid Cyclospora outbreak

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — Illinois health officials are urging residents to continue eating fruits and vegetables while taking extra precautions as they investigate an outbreak of Cyclospora infections.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said the source of the current cases remains unknown. However, foods linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks have included bagged salad kits, lettuce, strawberries, raspberries and leafy herbs such as cilantro and parsley.

Rather than avoiding produce altogether, health officials recommend choosing fruits and vegetables with peels or outer layers after washing and peeling them, eating canned or frozen produce, or cooking fruits and vegetables to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit.

The department also reminded residents to wash their hands and thoroughly rinse fresh produce before preparing or eating it.

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis, which commonly causes prolonged diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The Illinois Department of Public Health said the investigation into the source of the current cases remains ongoing.