Home / Health / Parasite Outbreak: Parsley, Cilantro Linked to Illness
Parasite Outbreak: Parsley, Cilantro Linked to Illness
3 Aug
Summary
- Over 700 Cyclosporiasis cases reported statewide since May 1.
- Parsley and cilantro are commonly reported foods among the sick.
- Adults over 55 are the most affected age group.
Cases of Cyclosporiasis are increasing across North Carolina. Since May 1, health officials have recorded 718 diagnoses and 24 hospitalizations. In just the past week, 157 new cases and eight additional hospitalizations were identified.
To monitor this escalating situation, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a dedicated dashboard. This resource will be updated weekly to provide the latest data on the outbreak.
Patient interviews point to parsley and cilantro as commonly consumed foods among those affected. However, some individuals reported no intake of these specific ingredients before developing symptoms. The Cyclospora parasite, which causes the illness, can spread through contaminated food or water.
This outbreak has disproportionately affected older adults, with 264 cases reported among those aged 55 and older since May 1. Adults between 19 and 54 years old constitute another significant group with 447 cases.
Preventative measures include thorough cooking of food to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinsing produce may help reduce exposure, but it is not a foolproof method against the parasite. Health authorities advise against consuming raw parsley and cilantro, recommending they be cooked before consumption.
