We all know or have at least heard about the great benefits of eating our fruits and vegetables, even as a kid I can hear my mom saying, “eat your vegetables so you can grow big and strong”, but none of us know about the parasites and organisms that find their homes in these nutritious foods we consume. In recent news, Cyclosporiasis infections have been on the rise in Harris County in Texas. Cyclosporiasis caused by Cyclospora, is a non-life-threatening gastrointestinal illness caused by an intestinal parasite. Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting food or water that have been contaminated, and outbreaks occurring in the U.S. have been associated with imported fresh produce. Cyclosporiasis infections can present with no symptoms or, in other cases, include symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, increased gas, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and nausea. The symptoms previously listed can last for several weeks if cyclosporiasis is not treated. Treatment for this infection can take various forms; most people infected will recover without treatment while people with a diminished immune system may encounter a prolonged illness and require the consultation of a health care provider for medication or in extreme cases hospitalization.
What Can You Do to Prevent Cyclosporiasis:
- Proper hand hygiene before and after handling/preparing fruits and vegetables.
- Wash utensils, dishes, and surfaces to prevent cross contamination between the preparation of raw meat and fresh produce.
- Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, and cooking.
- Cut, peeled, and cooked vegetables should be refrigerated within 2 hours.
- Fresh produce should be stored away and/or above raw meat.
Maegan Traveler is an Education Specialist for Education and Institutional Preparedness for the SPECTRE Program.
Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/health_professionals/index.html
https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/cyclospora