A stomach parasite known as cyclosporiasis has sickened dozens of people across Florida, including 7 cases in the Bay Area. The Florida Department of Health has reported 50 total cases in the state between May 1 and July 4.
Local Cases
The Bay Area cases break down as follows: Hillsborough County has 2 cases, Polk County has 2 cases, Pasco County has 1 case, Pinellas County has 1 case, and Highlands County has 1 case.
Doctors at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital are closely monitoring the situation, noting that these cases typically spike during the summer. “It’s common for people to have barbecues and cookouts, and food is staying outside, being heated, and produce is more common to be eaten during the summer months,” said Isis Lamphier, the hospital’s director of infection prevention.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by infection with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite is found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces. Outbreaks have occurred in the US as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce in hot weather.
According to Dr. Adelor Zamora, medical director of the Infection Prevention Control Program at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, “When you ingest an infected fruit or vegetable, normally about two to 14 days, you will have the symptoms. Of course, it varies person to person.”
Reducing Exposure
To reduce the risk of exposure, it is recommended to take the following steps when preparing or eating raw foods: wash lettuce and leafy greens thoroughly, wash cilantro and basil under running water, and cook raspberries, snow peas, and green onions. “This parasite has been around since the 90s, and so don’t let it scare you from eating your fruits and vegetables. But you still want to be safe about it,” said Joshua Payne, a nutrition agent with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Hillsborough County.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
