The Fidelis Care Blog

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an important part of staying healthy. They provide our bodies helpful nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber.

You may have seen news reports about an illness called cyclosporiasis. People can get cyclosporiasis after eating food or drinking water that has a tiny germ in it. Sometimes, this can happen with fresh produce.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are still healthy choices. You can lower your risk of getting sick by washing, peeling and cooking them.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common symptom is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tiredness
• Weight loss
• Muscle aches

Symptoms usually start about one week after eating food or drinking water that had the Cyclospora germ in it.

You should contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms. They may be able to prescribe medication if you need it.

Simple Steps to Protect You and Your Family

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce.
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables well under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking them.
• Use a clean brush to scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers.
• Peel when possible, especially if you don’t know how fruits and vegetables were handled before you bought them.
• Cook produce when it fits your recipe and tastes.
• Cut away bruised or damaged parts of fruits and vegetables.
• Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator after cutting, peeling, or cooking.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Are Still Healthy Choices

Fidelis Care encourages members and families to choose healthy foods every day. A little extra care in the kitchen can help keep fresh produce safe.

Sources: New York State Department of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an important part of staying healthy. They provide our bodies helpful nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber.

You may have seen news reports about an illness called cyclosporiasis. People can get cyclosporiasis after eating food or drinking water that has a tiny germ in it. Sometimes, this can happen with fresh produce.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are still healthy choices. You can lower your risk of getting sick by washing, peeling and cooking them.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most common symptom is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Tiredness
• Weight loss
• Muscle aches

Symptoms usually start about one week after eating food or drinking water that had the Cyclospora germ in it.

You should contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms. They may be able to prescribe medication if you need it.

Simple Steps to Protect You and Your Family

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce.
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables well under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking them.
• Use a clean brush to scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers.
• Peel when possible, especially if you don’t know how fruits and vegetables were handled before you bought them.
• Cook produce when it fits your recipe and tastes.
• Cut away bruised or damaged parts of fruits and vegetables.
• Store fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator after cutting, peeling, or cooking.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Are Still Healthy Choices

Fidelis Care encourages members and families to choose healthy foods every day. A little extra care in the kitchen can help keep fresh produce safe.

Sources: New York State Department of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention