07/27/2026
You may have seen the news about Cyclospora, a foodborne illness that causes diarrhea and is often spread by contaminated produce. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only foodborne illness present in our communities, and learning more about these diseases can help protect you and your family from getting sick!
Did you know that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses in the United States every year? That’s the equivalent of 1 in 6 Americans! These viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, hospitalization or death. But there are steps you can take to prevent foodborne illness for you and your family!
Stay Informed:
By learning about the different types of foodborne illnesses, how to prevent them, and current outbreaks, you can make smart choices to prevent getting sick.
The Three Most Common Foodborne Pathogens Include:
⚠️Salmonella
➡️Type: Bacteria
➡️Common illness: Salmonellosis (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, fever; usually lasts 1–7 days)
➡️Prevention: Cook foods to safe internal temperatures, separate raw and cooked foods, wash hands and surfaces, and keep food at safe temperatures
⚠️E. coli
➡️Type: Bacteria
➡️Common illness: Severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sometimes bloody stool; can lead to kidney failure in rare cases
➡️Prevention: Cook ground beef to 160°F, avoid raw milk and unpasteurized juices, wash produce thoroughly
⚠️Norovirus
➡️Type: Virus
➡️Common illness: Sudden vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, mild fever; symptoms often start within 1–2 days of exposure
➡️Prevention: Practice good handwashing, clean and disinfect surfaces, cook food thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination
⚠️Cyclospora:
➡️Type: Parasite
➡️Common Illness: Cyclosporiasis (severe watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue; can last up to a month without treatment)
➡️Prevention: Cooking can kill the parasite. Since washing or chemical disinfectants alone cannot guarantee Cyclospora removal, cook produce to a temperature of at least 158°F
To learn more about the current Cyclosporiasis outbreak, visit:
🖱️ https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/07-26/investigation.html
To learn more about common foodborne illnesses, visit:
🖱️https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/Most-Common-Foodborne-Illnesses-%28PDF%29.pdf
Take Action:
By following the recommendations of trusted sources, you can prevent exposure to known contaminated food!
