The CDC and FDA are investigating a large, multi-state outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. More than 1,600 confirmed cases have been reported across dozens of states, with thousands of additional suspected cases under investigation.
Symptoms may include:
- Severe watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Low-grade fever
Symptoms often begin about one week after eating contaminated food and may continue for weeks if untreated. Fortunately, effective treatment is available with prescription medication.
Foods linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks include:
🥬 Lettuce and leafy greens
🥗 Bagged or pre-prepared salads
🍓 Raspberries
🧅 Green onions
🌿 Basil
🌿 Cilantro
🫛 Snow peas
Please note: These foods have been associated with previous outbreaks. Officials have not yet confirmed which food is responsible for the current outbreak.
What should you do?
✔ Wash all fresh produce carefully under running water.
✔ Peel fruits and vegetables whenever practical.
✔ Refrigerate produce promptly.
✔ Consider temporarily choosing cooked vegetables instead of raw salads if you or a loved one is elderly, immunocompromised, or medically fragile.
✔ If you develop persistent diarrhea—especially lasting more than two or three days—contact your healthcare provider promptly.
A Message from A Passion for Care
Many of the foods listed above are part of a healthy daily diet, so there is no need to panic. However, this outbreak is an important reminder that older adults can become dehydrated very quickly from diarrheal illnesses.
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms, please seek medical advice promptly and focus on maintaining hydration.
We will continue monitoring guidance from the CDC and FDA and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Stay safe,
The A Passion for Care Team
Making the transition to a completely new industry brought the opportunity to learn and grow, which continues still today. Pat studied Gerontology in San Diego State University’s certificate program and became licensed as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), a Home Health Aide (HHA), and completed the California Certification Program for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCCFE) as a Certified Administrator. She presented workshops at Aging in America Conference four years in a row and served as Chair of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council 2019-2020 and was the education board member for several years. More recently, Pat became a Certified Senior Advisor and was a San Diego Business Journal “50 over 50 2022 Women of Influence Honoree”.
Pat and her husband Roland have lived outside San Diego in the San Pasqual Valley for over three decades. She has two children who are grown professionals and three grandchildren. Pat enjoys traveling to, and visits from, family and friends throughout the year. While at home in San Pasqual Valley, she and Roland enjoy peaceful views and exploring the surrounding valleys.
