Foodborne Illness

Family cooking

 

Cyclospora: Two new cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in Montana the week of July 20th. These are the first domestically acquired cases reported to DPHHS in 2026. These two cases are not known to be linked to a multi-state outbreak. However, DPHHS is closely monitoring the multiple Cyclospora clusters in the United States currently under investigation by public health officials. Of these two new Montana cases, one was exposed while traveling out of state. The second case may have been exposed during travel to another state, but exposures in Montana could not be ruled out. A thorough investigation of both cases is ongoing. No recalled food items have been found in Montana at this time.

Cyclospora cases and outbreaks are often linked to consuming fresh produce. To reduce your risk:

  • Discard outer layers of fruits and vegetables when possible, such as the outer two or three layers of leafy greens.
  • Rinse produce thoroughly under clean running water.
  • Cook produce to a temperature of at least 158°F, when cooking is an option.
  • Consider purchasing locally sourced produce.
  • As always, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
  • Call your doctor if you have symptoms of Cyclospora, which can include watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

 Learn more about Cyclospora here: https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cyclospora.

What You Need to Know

The term foodborne illness describes any number of diseases that result from consuming contaminated food or beverages. CDC estimates that 1 in 6 Americans become sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases each year.

Symptoms may differ among the different types of foodborne diseases. Common symptoms of foodborne diseases:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Symptoms can sometimes be severe, and some foodborne illnesses can even be life-threatening.
 
Although anyone can get a foodborne illness, some people are more likely to develop one. Those groups include:
  • Older adults
  • Young children
  • People with immune systems weakened from medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, organ transplants, or HIV/AIDS, or from receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
  • Pregnant women

 

Most people with a foodborne illness get better without medical treatment, but people with severe symptoms should see their doctor.

Four Steps to Food Safety

Anyone can get sick from eating contaminated food. Follow four simple food safety steps—clean, separate, cook, and chill—to lower your chance of food poisoning and to protect yourself and your loved ones.
  • Clean: Wash your hands and surfaces often
  • Separate: Don't cross-contaminate
  • Cook to the right temperature.
  • Chill: Refrigerate promptly 

 
Food Temps Chart

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