HOUSTON – A Cyclosporiasis outbreak across the U.S. continues, and Texas is among more than a dozen states that are reporting cases of the parasite that can cause explosive diarrhea.
Read more Cyclospora & other parasites: What you need to know about risks, treatment
Officials in one state have released more information about the types of foods that have been specifically linked to an outbreak of the illness in previous instances to help prevent more cases.
Cyclosporiasis cases in Texas
By the numbers:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases of Cyclosporiasis have been reported in at least 17 states.
Texas has reported between 11 and 30 cases have been reported in Texas since May 1, according to the CDC. New York has the highest number of cases.
List of fruits, vegetables
As of July 4, no specific produce grower or supplier, or specific produce type has been identified as the source of the outbreak, but officials in Michigan have released a list of foods that have been linked to previous cases of the disease.
The following foods have been specifically linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:
Read more Father dies trying to rescue child from MD house fire sparked by discarded fireworks, officials say
- Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Fresh basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Green onions (scallions)
What you can do:
If you are preparing or eating any of the following raw foods, take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure:
- Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer 2–3 layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.
- Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves. Safest when cooked.
- Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative (freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite).
- Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.
- Green onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Big picture view:
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which experts say is found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces.
Outbreaks have occurred in the US as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce in hot weather.
It is not known to spread from person-to-person.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
Timeline:
Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Low-grade fever
Anyone infected who does not get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.
Cyclosporiasis treatment
What you can do:
If you experience sudden, ongoing diarrhea, reach out to your health care provider and your local health department.
Read more Trump confirms a helipad is being built on the White House lawn
Symptoms can be improved with an antibiotic.