Kankakee County Health Department

🔥 If you've seen Cyclospora making headlines lately, here's what you should know.

Yes—cooking produce to at least 158°F (70°C) kills Cyclospora, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. When it makes sense, choosing cooked produce over raw can help reduce your risk.

But... cooked salad? 🤔

Not everything is meant to be cooked, which is why washing your produce is still one of the best food safety habits—whether you're planning to eat it raw or cook it. Simply rinse fruits and vegetables under clean running water and scrub firm produce (like melons) with a produce brush. No soap needed.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water and is most commonly linked to fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, berries, and snow peas. It spreads by eating contaminated food or water—not through casual person-to-person contact.

Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and can include:
💧 Watery diarrhea
😖 Stomach cramps
🎈 Bloating or gas
🤢 Nausea
😴 Fatigue

Most people recover within 1–2 weeks with rest and fluids, though symptoms can sometimes last longer or return. Some people may need antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider.

A few more ways to help protect yourself:
🧼 Wash your hands before handling or eating fresh produce.
🥩 Keep produce separate from raw meat and seafood.
🧊 Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.

If you think you may have cyclosporiasis, contact your health care provider.
Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/prevention/index.html

The Kankakee County Health Department will be closed on July 3rd in observance of Independence day.
Happy 250th Birthday America!