Cyclosporiasis in Texas: List of foods linked to some outbreaks
Cyclosporiasis cases on the rise across Michigan
Earlier this week, the Monroe County Health Department said it was investigating several cases of cyclosporiasis among county residents. As of Tuesday, June 30, the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services says more than 170 cases have been reported across southeast Michigan.
AUSTIN, Texas - A Cyclosporiasis outbreak across the U.S. continues, and Texas is among more than a dozen states reporting cases of the parasite that can cause explosive diarrhea.
While Texas has reported cases this season, Denton County Public Health says the local impact remains limited.
Officials in one state have released more information about the types of foods that have been specifically linked to previous outbreaks of the illness 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 since May 1, according to the CDC. New York has reported the highest number of cases.
Denton County Public Health said it has received two laboratory reports of Cyclosporiasis so far this season. Health officials said no local public health advisory has been issued because the source of the current outbreak has not yet been identified, limiting prevention guidance.
The department also said its epidemiologists presented information about Cyclosporiasis during an April Communicable Disease Response Team meeting in anticipation of the typical summer increase in cases. DCPH said it provides seasonal updates to the medical community to support appropriate testing and clinical awareness.
List of fruits, vegetables
As of July 4, no specific produce grower, supplier or produce type has been identified as the source of the outbreak, according to the CDC. However, officials in Michigan have released a list of foods that have been linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks.
The following foods have been specifically linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:
- 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, persistent diarrhea, contact your health care provider and your local health department.
Symptoms can be treated with antibiotics, and Denton County Public Health encourages health care providers to remain vigilant for seasonal cases, and to conduct appropriate testing when warranted.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additional information was provided by Denton County Public Health. FOX 2 Detroit was the first to report this story.