AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) – State officials are putting out a health advisory after 56 cases of illness have been reported due to the parasite Cyclospora since May.
According to the Department of State Health Services, officials are working with local health departments in Texas and other states to determine where the illness is originating.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the microscopicCyclospora parasite. The main symptom is watery diarrhea lasting a few days to a few months. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, vomiting and a low fever. Symptoms may come and go multiple times over a period of weeks or months.
Cyclospora outbreaks in the past have been caused by eating several different kinds of produce: fresh pre-packaged salad mix, raspberries, basil, snow peas, and mesclun greens. Texas has had multiple outbreaks linked to cilantro.
Washing all fresh produce is recommended to help eliminate the risk of Cyclospora, however, cooking the food is a much better option.
Texas reported 319 cases of the illness last year.
