Cases of Cyclospora, an internal illness causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are on the rise in Texas. Here’s what you need to know.
Texas is currently seeing an increase in cases of Cyclospora, an internal foodborne illness that’s caused by a parasite. It typically leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, many of which can be severe. The main ones to watch out for are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Phil Huang, Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, said Cyclospora can be found in food or water and varies in terms of intensity and length. “It can be anywhere from two to 14 days, and it causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, you know, really severe diarrhea. Described almost as explosive diarrhea. It can come — and go and can sort of be remitting and can last several weeks. It can be treated with antibiotics,” he said.
Outbreaks of the illness commonly occur between May 1 and August 31, but Huang said the Dallas area is seeing an increase in Cyclospora cases, so Dallas County Health and Human Services is looking into potential causes.
Around 20 people have been hospitalized across the country with these gastrointestinal symptoms. Dr. David Winter works with Baylor Scott & White as an internal medicine physician, and he said the severity of this particular outbreak could worsen. He also noted that symptoms may be recurring.
“It’s a parasite. It’s not a virus, it is not bacteria. So the parasite, once it gets in your intestine, it starts to multiply. And then when it builds up a certain amount, then it comes out with this explosion, and then it starts to multiply again,” Dr. Winter said.
How to protect yourself against infection
The current source of the Cyclospora outbreak in Texas has not been identified yet. The foodborne illness spreads through water or food that has been contaminated with infected feces. Previous cases have been linked to snow peas, cilantro, raspberries, and basil.
It does not pass from one person to another, so if someone in your home has it, the only way you would develop the illness too is if you eat or drink the same contaminated item. To avoid this happening, it’s recommended to wash any fresh produce thoroughly before you eat it.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, Dr. David Winter said they can usually be managed from home, though it’s important to contact a doctor if you have severe “explosive” diarrhea, as you may need antibiotics. Be sure to request Cyclospora testing when speaking with a medical professional.
“Most stool tests in laboratories don’t look for this. So you want to be sure and tell your doctor, I’ve got this, quote, explosive diarrhea. I’m cramping, I feel like hell, I have all this fatigue,” Dr. Winter told NBCDFW.
It’s important to note that while the Dallas area is seeing an increase in cases, the infection is largely considered uncommon, but it’s quite debilitating once you do get it. Dr. Winter said, “It’s rare, but boy when you get it, it is tough.”
For additional information on how to prevent Cyclospora, or to treat your symptoms, please click here.
