How Worried Should You be About Cyclosporiasis? Director of Westfield Health Department Explains

Concerned about the national outbreak of cyclosporiasis? While the illness has been seen in New Jersey, the outbreak reported in national news does not appear to be an issue in Westfield, according to Megan Avallone, Director of the Westfield Regional Department of Health. Avallone provided this reassurance during the Westfield Board of Health meeting on Monday, August 4, 2026.

Union County Life covers Westfield public health information and community health guidance across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora. It is often spread through contaminated fresh produce. New Jersey sees cases of cyclosporiasis every summer, Avallone noted. "We have cases in New Jersey, but none that are connected to the outbreak, and we had cases in our jurisdiction, but they're travel-associated," Avallone said.

Symptoms typically appear one week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control reported on Monday that two people in the United States have died from the illness.

Understanding the Source

Although some have dubbed cyclosporiasis the "diarrhea lettuce" disease, Westfield's past experience associated the illness with fresh herbs rather than lettuce. "We had an outbreak a few years ago where we strongly suspected it was potato salad at a certain restaurant, but we suspect it was the parsley on top of the potato salad," Avallone said.

Blackberries and raspberries are also frequently associated with cyclosporiasis because of their delicate structure and difficulty in thorough washing. "Raspberries are very hard to wash because they're so delicate, and there's so many grooves and they're sticky, right? So if you get some of the parasite in there, it's hard to get out," Avallone explained.

Prevention Guidance

The Westfield Regional Department of Health recommends washing fresh produce thoroughly under running water, even if labeled "pre-washed." Produce washes and sanitizing sprays alone will not remove the parasite. Hand-washing before food preparation, especially for ready-to-eat foods, is also important.

For people at higher risk, the CDC recommends considering frozen berries as an alternative. "It's not going to completely eliminate the risk, but it'll drastically reduce the risk," Avallone said.

Residents should contact their healthcare provider if they develop watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days, as this may indicate cyclosporiasis or another gastrointestinal illness requiring medical evaluation.

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FAQ

Q: Is cyclosporiasis affecting Westfield?
A: The national outbreak of cyclosporiasis is not affecting Westfield, according to Health Director Megan Avallone. Cases in Westfield are travel-associated only and not connected to the national outbreak.

Q: What is cyclosporiasis?
A: Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora. It is often spread through contaminated fresh produce and occurs regularly in New Jersey every summer.

Q: How is cyclosporiasis spread?
A: Cyclosporiasis is typically spread through contaminated fresh produce, particularly fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro, as well as blackberries and raspberries.

Q: What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
A: Symptoms typically appear one week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.

Q: Has anyone died from cyclosporiasis?
A: Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, two people in the United States have died from cyclosporiasis as of August 4, 2026.

Q: How can I prevent cyclosporiasis?
A: Wash fresh produce thoroughly under running water, even if labeled pre-washed. Hand-wash before food preparation, especially for ready-to-eat foods. Consider eating frozen berries instead of fresh if at higher risk.

Q: Do produce washes prevent cyclosporiasis?
A: No. Produce washes and sanitizing sprays alone will not remove the parasite. Thorough washing under running water is the recommended method.

Q: When should I see a doctor about diarrhea?
A: Contact your healthcare provider if you develop watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days, as this may indicate cyclosporiasis or another condition requiring medical evaluation.