Foodborne illness (also known as foodborne disease and food poisoning) is any illness resulting from the contamination of food by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, prions (misfolded proteins), and toxins.
Common foodborne illnesses include campylobacteriosis, cyclosporiasis, E. coli infection, hepatitis A, listeriosis, viral gastroenteritis (norovirus) and salmonellosis.
Current Situation
Cyclospora Outbreak
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora. It infects the small intestine and typically causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, copious stools (poops).
The parasite is regularly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In the United States (U.S.), Cyclospora infections are most common during the summer months and are usually transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water.
Prevent Cyclospora Infection
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
- Thoroughly wash all fresh produce, including herbs, fruits, and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, and cooking.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Cook food to 158°F (70°C) or higher to kill Cyclospora
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).
It is important to be aware of the foods you eat that you did not peel/wash yourself, including fresh fruit or vegetables, as they may be contaminated with Cyclospora.
When traveling to a country with poor sanitary conditions, drink water from sources you know to be safe such as sealed bottled water, boiled tap water, and carbonated (bubbly) water from sealed cans. Avoid water or food that may be contaminated with feces (poop).
Additional Cyclospora Resources
Food Safety Resources
- Food Safety Illness Prevention Resources
- Restaurant Inspections & Food Sanitation Services
- Service Requests and Complaints
- Regulations and Policies for Operating Food-Related Businesses
- Erie County Department of Health Rodent Control Program