No New Jersey-grown produce linked to parasite outbreak, officials say
The announcement comes as federal health officials continue investigating a growing number of cases nationwide.
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For those avoiding leafy greens as cases of cyclosporiasis spread across the country, New Jersey officials have some reassuring news: no New Jersey-grown produce has been linked to the outbreak.
To date, no produce grown in the Garden State has been identified as a source of cyclosporiasis cases, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected after consuming contaminated food or water, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
The announcement comes as federal health officials continue investigating a growing number of cases nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday that 1,645 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed across the country. The agency is also aware of more than 5,100 additional cases that require further analysis to determine whether they were acquired domestically.
By comparison, only 249 cases had been reported nationally by this point last year. Of the 1,645 confirmed cases, 141 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
The CDC is working alongside the Food and Drug Administration and state and local health departments to investigate the outbreak and identify the source of the infections.
Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure and can include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, body aches, low-grade fever and prolonged fatigue.
Despite the national increase in cases, New Jersey health officials say the number of infections reported in the state remains within the range typically seen each year, with up to 80 cases reported so far this year. Case counts generally rise during the spring and summer months.
State agriculture officials noted that New Jersey farmers must meet food safety requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act and, for participating growers, quality standards associated with the Jersey Fresh program. The Jersey Fresh program represents thousands of farms throughout the state and helps consumers locate locally grown fruits and vegetables.
The Department of Agriculture said it will continue informing residents if any produce categories grown in New Jersey are identified by health experts as a risk.
In the meantime, officials recommend taking the following food safety precautions: Wash hands with soap and water before and after preparing fresh fruits and vegetables. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cut away damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating produce. Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked produce promptly.
