The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has reported 21 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Most cases are concentrated in the Northern ADPH Health District, with one identified case in the 11-county West Central District, which includes Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, and Walker counties.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness that can be caused by consuming contaminated food or water. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and can last for weeks without treatment. These symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.
DeJuana Grant, an epidemiologist with ADPH, advises that choosing locally grown produce or growing your own can help minimize the risk of developing cyclosporiasis. Additionally, choosing frozen produce as an alternative can lower the risk. Consumers are urged to wash and refrigerate all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, discard outer leaves of lettuce, and monitor for any recalls from their grocery store.
ADPH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karen Landers notes that cooking kills the parasite because it is very sensitive to heat. Persons experiencing symptoms should report it to their doctor immediately, as cyclosporiasis requires special antibiotics and over-the-counter medications will not clear the infection.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
