Ministry Of Health’s Statement On US Outbreak Of Cyclosporiasis

The Ministry of Health and Wellness continues to monitor an outbreak of cyclosporiasis infection in the United States involving several states (34) and individual (1645) confirmed cases.

The causative agent is a parasite called Cyclospora. Cyclosporiasis is an infectious foodborne disease causing acute diarrhoea, abdominal pain and vomiting. There have been no cases in the region as reported by the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

There are no suspected or confirmed cases in Barbados. The condition is self-limiting with the symptoms usually confined to five to seven days. The disease is spread by contaminated food, usually fresh fruit and uncooked vegetables.

The Ministry takes this opportunity to remind the public of measures to prevent foodborne illness.

• Thorough washing of fruits and vegetables
• Maintaining general hygiene in the food preparation areas
• No mixing of raw foods with cooked foods during food preparation
• Washing hands before preparation of food
• Hot foods kept hot at 140 F or higher
• Cold foods kept cold at 40 F or less

Particularly as it is expected that during Crop Over there will be higher levels of preparation and selling of food, food vendors are asked to ensure they have a valid Food Handling Certificate and maintain good food handling practices.

Persons may call the Environmental Health Department at their respective polyclinics should they have further queries.

Ministry of Health and Wellness

Author: Government of Barbados

Published: July 16, 2026