As cases of cyclospora continue to be reported across the country, Baxter Health’s Infection Prevention Coordinator Stephanie Free is encouraging residents to practice safe food handling and seek medical care if symptoms develop.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Free tells KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News how people typically become infected.
According to the Arkansas Department of Health, 14 cases had been reported in Arkansas as of July 15. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,645 cases nationwide across 34 states as of July 13, including 141 hospitalizations and no deaths. Free adds the actual number of cases may be higher than reported because some people recover at home without being tested.
Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later. Free goes on to detail the symptoms.
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Free says the parasite is unlikely to spread directly from person to person, making proper food handling the best defense.
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Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged
to contact a healthcare provider. She says the illness can be diagnosed with a stool sample and is typically treated with the antibiotic Bactrim.
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