Puerto Rico's Department of Health reported the island's first case of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection tied to an ongoing US outbreak, in a Puerto Rican resident who had recently returned from an international trip. The Health Department's Water- and Food-borne Communicable Disease Surveillance System confirmed one imported case (with a travel history) as of the report, issued Tuesday. The patient's age and gender were not disclosed, nor was the country visited, but officials said the person has already recovered.
The announcement followed reports from the Department of Agriculture that it continues dock inspections to prevent contaminated vegetables, fruits, or plants from entering the island. So far, neither Agriculture nor federal authorities have had to block any shipments of lettuce or other produce suspected of carrying the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which causes gastrointestinal illness. In the US, more than 5,000 people across roughly 31 states have been affected.
Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres, speaking at a press conference in La Fortaleza, said the agency has authority to halt or restrict entry of any suspect produce from any jurisdiction but has not yet needed to act, noting continuous monitoring alongside federal authorities. Cyclosporiasis, transmitted via water or food contaminated with feces, can last days or weeks and cause symptoms including explosive diarrhea, appetite loss, and weight loss.