07/17/2026
⚠️ Important Health Update: What Parents Need to Know About Cyclospora🥗🍎🥦
You may have seen reports in the news about the recent Cyclospora outbreaks. At Cradle Thru College Care, we want to make sure our families have the facts on how to spot the symptoms and keep your little ones safe!
What is Cyclospora? Cyclospora is a tiny, microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. It is typically spread by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite—most commonly fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs.
⚠️Symptoms to Watch For in Your Child: Symptoms usually start about 1 week after exposure:
• Frequent, watery diarrhea (the most common symptom)
• Loss of appetite and tummy aches
• Stomach cramps, bloating, or nausea
• Fatigue and low-grade fever
• Dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, or crying with few/no tears).
⚠️Tips to Protect Your Family:
- Discard outer layers. When possible, discard the outer layer of fruits and vegetables. For example, throw away the outer two to three layers of leafy greens.
- Wash produce thoroughly. Rinsing produce is an appropriate first step but may not reliably eliminate the parasite. Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under clean running water, including before you peel them. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce.
- Be cautious with pre-washed or pre-cut produce. Commercial washing processes may not be sufficient to remove the parasite.
- Prioritize cooking. For any produce that can be cooked, cooking to a temperature of at least 158 °F (70°C) is the safest option, as the parasite is resistant to routine chemical disinfection and washing alone cannot guarantee its removal. Cyclospora cannot survive at these elevated temperatures.
- Clean hands & surfaces: Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water before and after prepping food.
⚠️When to Call Us: If your child has persistent watery diarrhea, severe stomach pain, or shows any signs of dehydration, please don't hesitate to reach out.
📞 Give our office a call to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our triage nurses. 816-942-5437
We are here to help get your little one feeling better!
