Cyclospora cases rise in Florida, with Palm Beach County leading locally
Cyclospora, a parasite causing severe gastrointestinal issues, has infected over 250 people statewide, with 14 cases reported locally, including 10 in Palm Beach County.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. —
Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, has infected more than 250 people across Florida, with 14 cases reported locally, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The latest numbers from the department show 254 cases statewide across 39 counties as of July 25, with the most recent update posted this week. Locally, Palm Beach County has reported 10 cases, St. Lucie County has three, and Martin County has one.
Cyclospora can contaminate food and water, including raw fruits and vegetables, and its symptoms can be debilitating. Extreme diarrhea and abdominal pain are common and can last for weeks without treatment.
“If you have a symptom that is prolonged and it relapses, where it got better and came back again, it can last, you know, almost six to seven weeks,” said Dr. Ramprasad Gopalan, an infectious disease specialist at HCA Florida JFK North Hospital. “So now you have fatigue, weight loss, anorexia in association with diarrhea — you need to seek medical attention immediately.”
Local health professionals say seeking medical attention for prolonged symptoms is important, as treatment for Cyclospora is available in the form of a pill. To reduce the risk of infection, doctors recommend cooking fresh produce, washing hands frequently, and thoroughly cleaning fruits and vegetables before eating.
How to prevent cyclosporiasis?
The CDC has these prevention tips people can follow to help prevent foodborne illness related to fresh produce:
WashWash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.PrepareWash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home.Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.StoreRefrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, within two hours.
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