TEXAS (KLTV) – Cases of cyclospora infections are rising across the country, including in Texas, where health officials have confirmed 68 lab cases and 15 hospitalizations this season. No deaths have been reported.
The Texas Department of Health Services said the cases are domestically acquired, meaning those infected did not report international travel. Case counts in Texas are considered only slightly higher than expected for this time of year. Cyclospora season runs from May 1 through Aug. 31.
The CDC has confirmed 843 cyclospora cases this year across 31 states, with Michigan and Ohio among the hardest hit.
What is cyclospora?
Dr. Browne of the Gregg County Health Department said cyclospora is a parasitic infection similar to amoebic dysentery and Giardia.
“It is a parasitic infection. They cause you to have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. And this particular one causes very watery diarrhea,” Browne said.
He said the rapid fluid loss associated with the infection can lead to severe dehydration. Symptoms can appear days after exposure and, without treatment, can last up to a month. An antibiotic is available for treatment, but Browne said most people can recover without it.
Browne said cyclospora spreads through contaminated food or water and is often tied to fresh produce. The parasite is not typically spread person to person.
How to reduce your risk
Browne said fruits with textured surfaces are harder to clean than those with smooth skin.
“The fruits that are harder to clean, like strawberries and blackberries and things like that, they’re really hard to clean. Some of the ones that are smoother surfaced and stuff like that are much easier to clean and you can wash them better,” Browne said.
He recommends washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly with soap and water for 20 to 30 seconds before eating. Foods that require cooking should be heated to at least 158 degrees. Legumes such as peas should be washed and then boiled. Browne said boiling water for more than one minute also eliminates the parasite.
Browne said cleaning food preparation surfaces with a diluted Lysol disinfectant is effective. He noted that bleach alone may not be sufficient.
“A lot of these parasitic infections are actually chlorine and bleach resistant. That’s not to say you can’t use bleach, but it’s not going to always kill it. But using a lot of soap and water really knocks it down,” Browne said.
He also cautioned that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective against parasites than soap and water, because soap acts as a detergent that breaks the parasite’s contact with skin.
Staying hydrated if you get sick
Browne said those who become ill should focus on staying hydrated. He said water alone is not sufficient and recommended drinks such as Pedialyte or Gatorade. He advised against sugar-free versions, as the body needs sugar when depleted. He also said anti-diarrheal medications should be used with caution, as they can retain the parasite in the body.
Signs of severe dehydration include reduced urination, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Browne said anyone experiencing those symptoms or diarrhea that does not resolve should seek medical attention.
Health officials say if diarrhea lasts more than a few days after eating fresh produce, call your doctor.
The CDC is working with states to identify the source of multiple outbreaks.
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