As cases of cyclosporiasis continue to rise across the state, parents are growing concerned about how the illness could affect their children. While most children recover on their own, experts say the best defense is preventing infection through proper food safety.

Precautions in Schools

Durham County Public Schools is removing fresh produce from its menu until September in an effort to reduce the risk of exposure. Pediatricians recommend that parents monitor their children’s symptoms, ensure they stay hydrated, and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms become severe or don’t improve.

According to Jennifer Hidinger, a pediatrician with Oberlin Pediatrics, "We’ve been really encouraging people to wash fruits and vegetables very thoroughly." Emily Greenwald, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Duke University Hospital, adds that dehydration is a bigger concern for younger patients, as "it’s just much harder for them to keep up with those fluid losses."

Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.