Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has been spreading rapidly throughout the U.S. in recent weeks. It is caused by consuming food or water that contains the parasite and is characterized by symptoms that can include watery and/or explosive diarrhea.
Angela Walla, a professor in the Department of Animal & Food Sciences at Texas Tech University, is a microbiologist and food scientist, working to develop strategies to control and prevent foodborne pathogens from entering the food supply. She is available to talk about Cyclosporiasis, its effect and how to prevent contamination.
Expert
Angela Walla, Professor, Department of Animal & Food Sciences, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University, (806) 834-2803 or angela.walla@ttu.edu
Talking points
- The public is encouraged to take appropriate steps to avoid Cyclospora infection as much as possible:
- Wash all produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking, regardless of whether it is pre-washed.
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
- High-risk produce items include lettuce and salad greens (including bagged, re-washed and organic varieties), pre-packaged vegetable trays, raspberries and blackberries, basil and cilantro, green onion, watercress.
- Safe produce items include frozen produce, anything cooked to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, peeled fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, oranges, apples and avocados, and cooked berries such as jams.
- Because it takes one to two weeks of being in an infected environment for Cyclospora to become infectious after passing in a bowel movement, direct person-to-person transmission is unlikely.
- The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about a week, but it can range from two days to two weeks or more.
- The primary symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea. This is what many people in the U.S. are experiencing.
- Those who become infected are encouraged to seek medical attention for treatment but also rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If left untreated, cyclosporiasis can last from a few days to a month or longer, with relapses possible.
Quotes
- “Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, and we encourage everyone to continue eating them. At this time, consumers should take extra precautions by thoroughly washing all fruits and vegetables before consumption, even if they are pre-cut, pre-packaged or labeled as ready to eat.”
- “One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of foodborne illness is proper produce handling. We recommend washing all fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them, regardless of how they are purchased.”
- “Anyone experiencing symptoms such as watery diarrhea or explosive diarrhea should seek medical care promptly. If you become ill, try to identify and document everything you ate during the three days prior to symptom onset and share that information with your healthcare provider, as it can be critical in helping identify the source of infection and protecting others in the community.”
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