California Residents Learn About Cyclosporiasis and Exposure Risks to the Parasite That Causes the Condition

Just last summer, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Health Advisory after an increase in cases of cyclosporiasis was detected in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cyclosporiasis is a reportable disease in California and is caused when a person becomes infected with a single-celled parasite known as Cyclospora.

In California and throughout the United States, many past outbreaks of the infection have been linked to imported produce. The parasite can be spread when people ingest food or water that has been contaminated with feces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Cyclospora needs days to weeks after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious to another person. Therefore, it is unlikely that Cyclospora is passed directly from one person to another in most circumstances.

The primary symptom of the intestinal disease is watery diarrhea that lasts from a few days to several months. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, vomiting and a low fever. These may come and go multiple times over a period of weeks or months and some people who become infected do not show any symptoms.

“With so much produce imported into California from tropical and subtropical regions where Cyclospora is most common, it’s important that fruits and vegetables are handled properly so it is safe for consumers,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Last year there was a recall of vegetable trays in six states linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. In California, LA Testing can test for foodborne and environmental pathogens, which includes analyzing produce for Cyclospora. A proactive testing program can help to eliminate costly product recalls and all of the medical and legal fees often associated with these types of events. If an outbreak has already occurred, testing is vital for identifying the source to prevent further illnesses.”

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about Cyclospora and infection risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/dVFRgmZpTfQ.

To learn more about Cyclospora or other food and environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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