For nearly a month, the Borderland and the country have had growing concerns over an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. The parasite is caused by consuming food or water that contains it and is characterized by symptoms that can include watery or ‘explosive’ diarrhea.
High-Risk Food Items
According to Angela Walla, a professor in the Department of Animal & Food Sciences at Texas Tech University, who is a microbiologist and food scientist, high-risk produce items include lettuce and salad greens. The public is encouraged to take appropriate steps to avoid cyclospora by washing all produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking — regardless of whether it is pre-washed.
Additionally, individuals should wash their hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables to minimize the risk of infection.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
