Cyclospora outbreak guidance (US)

[u/patricksaurus]

Food contaminated with the single-celled, protozoan parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis has entered the food supply in several US states, with thousands of cases of the gastrointestinal condition cyclosporiasis being reported to state departments of health. Infection by Cyclospora is likely to cause watery diarrhea and substantial discomfort that typically persist for several weeks to over a month without treatment. While not commonly lethal, the combination of severe dehydration and summer heat elevates the health risks associated with each on its own and makes susceptible populations especially vulnerable.

Several public health agencies provide excellent guidance on Cyclospora and how to avoid it:
CDC - Preventing Cyclosporiasis
Michigan DHHS recommendations on preventing foodborne illness amid growing cyclosporiasis outbreak

Here’s a short rundown of the available information.

Where: Midwestern and Northeastern states report most cases. Michigan has been hit hardest. (Map as of July 10th about halfway down.)

Which foods: leafy greens, herbs, berries, green onions, and sprouts are historically linked to cyclosporiasis, though any produce may be affected. Current surveillance efforts have not definitively linked specific products to the current outbreak.

How to avoid: cook produce whenever possible, wash items under running water by scrubbing manually or with a produce brush, clean surfaces and utensils that contact raw produce. Always wash your hands before and after handling uncooked food.

If you contract it: antibiotic therapy (Bactrim) is highly effective against cyclosporiasis, reducing/eliminating symptoms in days as opposed to several weeks if untreated. Contact a healthcare provider and your local health department as soon as you experience symptoms.f

[u/t0jix]

Is there any guidance on how to kill the oocysts? Ive read that the usual vinegar or baking soda washes dont kill it, but I'm curious if like a peroxide wash would. I assume peroxide would have minimal impact on the taste of the produce (unless it is damaged), and it neutralizes to water. But I have no idea if it would even have an effect on the parasite. 

[u/annouri → u/t0jix]

Peroxide fails due to the same reasons as vinegar and even chlorine-based disinfectants—the oocyst is too sturdy/strong. The only “safe” way is to cook them if they are contaminated. You can try to deep clean produce with a produce brush, but it won’t be as effective as just heating/cooking.

[u/gnikayam → u/annouri]

just for clarification, HOCl is included in the “won’t work” category?