You might have seen the warnings going around on social media about a foodborne parasite that is causing severe digestive distress around the country. You may have even laughed at a meme or two about swapping your salad for a nice, “safe” bag of potato chips. But if you’re looking for real ways to protect your health, Health Services of North Texas (HSNT) is here to help. Read on for more information.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause intestinal illness. It is usually transmitted when infected feces (poop), even tiny invisible amounts, contaminate food or water and that food or water is ingested by a person. It can contaminate foods like fruits and vegetables that are grown on farms and are then sold in grocery stores. When a person is infected with Cyclospora, the infection is called cyclosporiasis.
What are the symptoms and treatment of cyclosporiasis?
The primary symptom of cyclosporiasis is frequent, watery diarrhea. A person sick with cyclosporiasis might also experience stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue (tiredness).
If you experience these symptoms, it is important that you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, and avoid drinks that may irritate your digestive system, such as caffeine and alcohol. Get plenty of rest and eat bland foods to avoid aggravating your symptoms. Monitor yourself for signs of dehydration, such as urinating (peeing) less, dark-colored urine, dizziness, or mental confusion. This is especially important if you live somewhere like Texas, where the summer heat already puts you at risk of dehydration.
Contact your doctor before taking anti-diarrheal medications such as Imodium, as this may not be appropriate for infections such as cyclosporiasis.
When should I see my doctor?
If you have severe diarrhea or other digestive symptoms, it is a good idea to contact your healthcare provider. You may also need to visit your doctor if the symptoms of cyclosporiasis lead to more serious issues, such as dehydration. If needed, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat a cyclosporiasis infection. If you are immunocompromised and believe you may have cyclosporiasis, it is recommended to give your doctor a call as soon as possible, as you may be more likely to experience harmful health complications.
“If you develop watery diarrhea, cramping, nausea, or loss of appetite, see your healthcare provider. For most healthy people, even without treatment, the parasite is cleared from the body on its own,” says HSNT’s Dr. Gerardo Rodriguez. “However, high-risk populations, such as those with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and infants/children, may need treatment.”
How can I prevent cyclosporiasis?
It can be difficult to fully prevent exposure to cyclospora, as it is too small to be seen with the naked eye. “The good news is that it cannot spread directly from person to person, so there is no risk of catching it from a family member, coworker, or anyone else who is infected,” says Dr. Rodriguez.
There are a few steps you can take to help you and your family be less likely to get sick from the parasite.
- Discard outer layers of fruits and vegetables when possible. For example, throw away the outer two layers of a head of lettuce before eating it.
- Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them
- Cook your veggies. The cyclosporiasis parasite is killed when heated to 158 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- As always, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before preparing or eating food.
- Stay updated on the latest food recalls and remove any affected items from your home. You can learn about the latest recalls from your local news station or at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. The professionals at HSNT are here to help you make the best decisions for your health.