The Real Story: Addressing unknowns as cyclospora parasite sickens many Americans 

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- According to ABC News, cyclosporiasis cases are increasing in the United States. It’s an illness caused by a parasite.

The FDA says many people infected with cyclospora deal with various gastrointestinal issues, headaches, or fatigue.

ABC57’s Jordan Tolbert asked the FDA what foods are safe to eat right now.

She was referred to their outbreak investigation into cyclospora illnesses in multiple states, which says the investigation is ongoing and notes there are still no confirmed positive sample results for product testing as of July 19.

The FDA says there is a link between recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and the outbreak.

Sara Palmer, an epidemiologist with the Berrien County Health Department, said, “We're really confident in the lettuce portion of things. What we're not sure about is: are there additional things that are making people sick? Especially given the CDC investigating other outbreaks.”

She says even without a positive test, there is confidence in that link. 

“So, this is an organism that is a parasite. It's hard to test for at baseline. It's found in low amounts in people. It's found in low amounts in food. Anytime we're dealing with produce, it's an item that has a short shelf life, and so by the time we're aware of an outbreak and testing for it, that produce is gone. That particular product that was likely contaminated is no longer available. It's been spoiled and disposed of, or it's been eaten and consumed,” said Palmer.

Palmer says there’s a traceback process happening across the country to learn more about the outbreak, from national to state and local levels.

ABC57's Jordan Tolbert followed up with the Department of Health and Human Services again to ask whether it’s safe to consume berries and other fresh produce outside the recalled lettuce but did not hear back.

Palmer says to check the FDA recall page and make sure you don't have a recalled item in your home. She says even though there is a known link to some lettuce, they still can’t rule out other potential sources.

“We encourage people to eat fruits and vegetables, and there are just ways that are safer and increase your safety doing that, and so thoroughly washing things and just being mindful of the recall notice would be our biggest tips,” said Palmer.

You should always wash your produce thoroughly, whether you grew it yourself or bought it from the store. For people with underlying health issues who may be at greater risk, Palmer says they can cook their produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure there is no cyclospora in their food.

Palmer also says they are gathering information on the local level with the help of community members who got sick and took part in the food interview process. They shared their food history to help the health department investigate, which she says they are grateful for.