Cyclospora Outbreaks Will Only Get Worse As Climate Chaos Grows | Opinion
Summary
There is a large outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite that causes food poisoning, spreading across the U.S. This outbreak is linked to climate change, as hotter and more extreme weather helps the parasite grow and spread through water and food. Health and environmental protections have been weakened, making it harder to control such outbreaks.Key Facts
- Cyclospora cases have reached 10,000 this season, compared to an average of 2,800 cases before.
- Two deaths have been linked to the Cyclospora outbreak in the U.S.
- Hotter and longer summers increase the speed at which Cyclospora becomes infectious.
- Extreme droughts cause farmers to reuse or recycle water, which may spread the parasite.
- Intense storms cause floods and runoff that help spread parasites like Cyclospora.
- 2024 has been the hottest year on record globally, with continued rising fossil fuel emissions.
- Reporting Cyclospora infections to the CDC became optional last year, reducing tracking ability.
- Rollbacks in environmental regulations and climate protections contribute to worsening outbreaks.
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