Which of the following are recommended methods for preventing Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreaks?

• A. Personal hygiene only
• B. Safe agricultural practices only
• C. Both safe agricultural practices and personal hygiene
• D. None

Answer: (C)

Preventing Cyclospora outbreaks requires multiple control points because contamination can occur at different stages of the food supply. Safe agricultural practices reduce the risk at the source by using clean water for irrigation and washing, proper manure or compost management, measures to prevent contamination from human or animal waste, good field sanitation, and careful post-harvest handling and sanitation of equipment. Personal hygiene addresses the people involved in growing, harvesting, processing, and packing by promoting thorough handwashing, proper toilet facilities, avoiding handling food when ill, and preventing cross-contamination during processing and packaging. Since oocysts can persist in the environment and contaminate produce in multiple ways, relying on only one approach leaves gaps. Using both farm-level controls and strong personal hygiene provides the most effective protection.