Cyclosporiasis parasite hits neighboring county
A new parasitic outbreak has made its way into our state and is presently making it’s way through Guilford County and causing unexpected illnesses from contaminated fresh produce.
The Center for Disease Control defines cyclosporiasis as "an intestinal illness caused by a parasite. The illness is brought on by a parasite called Cyclospora. Infection can happen by ingesting food or water that contains the parasite. Cyclospora spreads when people eat food or drink water that was contaminated with feces. Though cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening. People who are infected with Cyclospora may or may not experience symptoms. Cyclospora infects the small intestine and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to over a month. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times. People can get infected with Cyclospora more than once. It takes at least 1 – 2 weeks in the environment (outside the body) for Cyclospora to become infectious after passing in a bowel movement. Therefore, direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
People can take the following steps to prevent Cyclospora infection:
Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces.
Follow food safety handling recommendations for safe preparation and storage.
Laboratory tests can have a hard time detecting Cyclospora even when patients have symptoms. Patients may have to submit several stool samples on different days to detect Cyclospora. Identification of Cyclospora requires special laboratory tests that are not part of routine stool testing. If your doctor thinks you may have cyclosporiasis, they should specifically request testing for Cyclospora. If you are experiencing symptoms of Cyclospora infection, please see your healthcare provider.
Most people with healthy immune systems will eventually recover from cyclosporiasis without treatment. However, if not treated, you may be sick for anywhere from a few days to a month or longer. You may also have symptoms that seem to go away, but then return one or more times (relapse). People in poor health or those who are immunocompromised may be at a higher risk for severe or long illness.
According to the Guilford County Health Department, 21 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported this year in the county with most cases being reported during the summer.
People can take the following food and vegetable handling recommendations to prevent foodborne illness related to fresh produce:
Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
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.
Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).
You can also make your own fruit and vegetable wash to aid in the killing and reduction of foodborne illnesses.
To make your own fruit and vegetable wash following the recipe below.
You will need:
A new spray bottle that has never been used for chemicals of any kind
- 2 cups water
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp baking soda.
The mixture will be a bit foamy, but that's okay.
To use it, spray on your food and allow it to sit for a few minutes. (5 or so) then rinse them under cold water. You can use a soft scrub brush if needed or desired on certain food items.
Pat dry and store as usual.
If you get into the habit of doing this when you return home from the grocery store with your produce, your family will be a lot safer when it comes to preventing unnecessary bacteria to be present in your kitchen and food. You can also make the solution and soak your fruit and vegetables in a clean sink or bowl.
