Also like last year, while we are not ruling out other possibilities, the evidence from outbreak investigations around the country appears to identify Guatemalan raspberries as the likely source. Based on the evidence available at this time, I am advising residents of New York City that, for the present time, it is prudent to avoid eating raspberries imported from Guatemala. Dr. Mojica added that restauranteurs and caterers should also take note of the advisory. Dr. Mojica noted that he is not aware of any compelling evidence at this time linking raspberries from anywhere else, domestic or international, with the outbreaks. Information on the country of origin of produce may be found printed on the package in which produce is sold.
Symptoms usually begin from several days to a week after exposure.
If not treated, Cyclospora symptoms may last for weeks. Cyclospora can be effectively treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic which is the only proven treatment. Several outbreaks of Cyclospora have occurred throughout the United States this spring, including California, Nevada, Texas, Florida, Rhode Island, and New York's Albany and Westchester Counties. In the spring of 1996, there was a large outbreak of Cyclospora primarily in the eastern United States due to contaminated raspberries imported from Guatemala. Previously, the disease was most commonly found only in tropical areas.