Some Maryland shoppers turn to farmers' markets with cyclosporiasis cases still on the rise
As the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to rise, a Maryland farmers' market vendor says a common question she hears is about food that gets people sick.
In Maryland, cyclosporiasis cases continue to increase by the dozens. The state Department of Health says it has confirmed 148 cases of the parasitic illness so far this year, with 144 of them reported since May 1.
Cases in Maryland have been climbing steadily by about 30-40 each week -- from 32, to 69, then 110 over the past month. The new total now surpasses the number of cases last year, which topped out at 128. In 2024, there were 204 total cases.
"It's basically, will this give me, you know what, and I say, 'No, it comes from our farm in Baltimore County,' so no, it's not going to do that," said Rebecca Stoecker, who sells her produce from Stoecker Farms Produce at Govan's Farmers Market in North Baltimore.
Shoppers buying produce from farmers markets
The cyclosporiasis outbreak is pushing people to farmers' markets instead of grocery stores.
Cynthia Williams, who shops at Govan's Farmers Market, said she grew up farming her food with family and has been telling people for years that locally sourced is better for you.
"It's homegrown; they grow it in the Earth, and it's so much better than buying in store, and now what we're going through with product and produce and all of those things," Williams said.
Stoecker said that shoppers never really know what is on or comes from big company products.
"Going to the grocery store, you really have no idea about where it comes from," Stoecker said. "Yes, you can look at a label and say that it comes from California or Peru, but when you come from a farmers market, nine out of 10 times, you are seeing at least one person who has stepped foot on that farm and picked that product."
Stoecker hopes people who have cyclosporiasis get healthy. She also hopes they recognize the importance of buying locally.
"It illustrates the point of, it doesn't matter if its organic or conventional, it's always better to go to a farmers market and get it directly from someone who is growing it for you," Stoecker said.
Nationwide outbreak continues to spread
The cyclosporiasis outbreak is also the nation's largest -- with nearly 2,000 cases confirmed so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The illness causes severe diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues that can last for days or even weeks. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, bloating, cramping, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and low-grade fever.
The Food and Drug Administration has been working to identify the source of the outbreak, which is believed to be linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico.
How to avoid catching the illness
Doctors say the cyclospora parasite is spread when water that's contaminated with feces finds its way onto fresh produce.
Health experts warn consumers to rinse fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating, or heat produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate the parasite.
The Department of Health urges the public to avoid drinking untreated water from lakes or streams, to avoid touching human or animal feces, and to wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers, as well as before handling or eating food.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to contact their health care provider.
