Unfortunately, every summer we experience Cyclospora outbreaks as routinely as hurricane season. This is unfortunate. Because at some point, we have to stop seeing these outbreaks as predictable, inevitable seasonal events and start treating them like preventable incidents.
Just as hurricane tracking, forecasting, and construction standards improve over time, so too should capabilities related to Cyclospora surveillance, detection, and prevention.
However, to do this more effectively, significant scientific and research gaps remain that must be addressed to better understand, investigate, and prevent Cyclospora diseases. For example, just because a particular fresh produce vehicle has not previously been associated with a disease does not mean it cannot be associated with it. There is also a need for a better understanding of the role of weather, environmental conditions and different water sources, along with more detailed insights into the different routes of potential exposure to parasites.
But there’s no need to wait for more research to take action. We can take action now based on what we already know.
Clearly, strengthening prevention in the case of foodborne illness will require stronger, more seasonal sourcing practices, improved agricultural water quality, and enhanced food safety measures throughout the fresh produce supply chain, especially early on.
The current situation also highlights why Cyclospora outbreaks are difficult to tackle. The long incubation period of the parasite makes it difficult for investigators to identify exposure. Molecular subtyping capabilities continue to improve, but more progress is needed. Traceability back to the point of origin remains difficult, especially as enforcement of the FDA’s food traceability rules expands. Additionally, when it comes to food, the suspect vehicle is often a “stealth ingredient” that can be included in a variety of foods or menu items, making it difficult for the sick person to remember.
State and local public health agencies are doing an outstanding job, and we are all grateful for their efforts, but this outbreak also highlights the need to further support and strengthen federal coordination of foodborne outbreak investigation and response.
For example, the number of Cyclospora cases reported by news media based on state data represents more than 2,000 cases, while CDC data has not yet caught up. CDC is reporting Only 145 cases The FDA reported that it was investigating as of June 16. There have been only two small outbreaks involving a total of 10 diseases.
Moreover, public messages varied across jurisdictions. Obviously, this discrepancy will be confusing to consumers.
It also highlights the need for more timely and transparent reporting, along with stronger federal-state coordination and action.
This is one of the reasons I previously advocated for the creation of . National Foodborne Outbreak Investigation BoardModeled after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), it strengthens coordination, improves transparency, and accelerates the identification of lessons learned following major foodborne outbreaks.
As the number of illnesses being reported across states increases, the hope is that investigators can quickly identify the cause of these illnesses to prevent additional people from becoming ill.
And let us work together to continue investing in and modernizing our food safety and public health systems. American consumers deserve no less.
