A Cyclospora outbreak in North Carolina has reached 307 confirmed cases, and health officials are focusing on fresh produce as the likely source of the infection, according to a report from 828 News Now. The parasite causes a gastrointestinal illness that can be prolonged, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Officials are urging residents to practice careful food handling and to wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Key Takeaways

  • North Carolina has reported 307 cases of Cyclospora infection, with health officials investigating fresh produce as the suspected source.
  • Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness.
  • Symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.
  • Illness can last from a few days to several weeks, and relapses are common.
  • Washing produce thoroughly and cooking food are key prevention steps, but the parasite can be hard to remove from some surfaces.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine. People become infected by ingesting food or water contaminated with the parasite. The infection is not typically spread directly from person to person, because the parasite needs time outside the body (to sporulate) before it can infect others. Outbreaks in the United States are often linked to imported fresh produce, such as berries, basil, cilantro, and lettuce, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The time between infection and symptoms, known as the incubation period, averages about seven days. Symptoms can appear suddenly and may include watery diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Some people may have no symptoms at all, but they can still shed the parasite in their stool.

Details of the North Carolina Outbreak

As of the latest report from 828 News Now, North Carolina has documented 307 cases of cyclosporiasis. Health officials are conducting interviews with affected individuals to identify common food exposures. The investigation is centered on fresh produce, which is a common vehicle for Cyclospora. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, and the number of cases may increase as more reports are confirmed.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with local health departments and the CDC to trace the source. No specific product has been recalled yet, but consumers are advised to be vigilant about washing all fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them. The report did not specify which counties have been most affected, but the outbreak is statewide.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually begin about a week after exposure. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, which can be profuse. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, low-grade fever, and fatigue. Illness can last for several weeks if untreated, and relapses are common.

The infection is treatable with a specific antibiotic, usually trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). People who are allergic to sulfa drugs should consult their doctor for alternative treatments. It is important to stay hydrated, as diarrhea can cause significant fluid loss. Anyone with prolonged diarrhea should see a healthcare provider for testing and diagnosis.

How to Protect Yourself

Health officials recommend the following steps to reduce the risk of Cyclospora infection:

  • Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
  • Scrub firm produce like melons and cucumbers with a clean brush.
  • Cook food to the recommended safe internal temperature, as heat kills the parasite.
  • Keep raw produce separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Wash hands with soap and water after handling raw produce and before eating.
  • When traveling to areas with poor sanitation, avoid raw fruits and vegetables and drink only bottled or boiled water.

Because Cyclospora can be difficult to remove from certain surfaces like berries and leafy greens, some experts advise cooking or thoroughly rinsing these items. However, even washing may not eliminate all risk, especially if produce is heavily contaminated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Cyclospora different from other foodborne illnesses?

Cyclospora is a parasite, not a bacterium or virus, and it requires a period of time outside the host to become infectious. This means it is not typically spread from person to person. The illness tends to be longer lasting than many bacterial infections, with symptoms that can persist for weeks. Diagnosis requires a stool test, and treatment is with a specific antibiotic rather than supportive care alone.

Can I get Cyclospora from produce grown in the United States?

Yes, although many outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to imported produce from countries where the parasite is more common, domestic produce can also be contaminated. The parasite can be spread through contaminated irrigation water or soil. Thorough washing and cooking are the best ways to reduce risk, regardless of where the produce was grown.

Should I avoid eating fresh produce during the outbreak?

Health officials generally do not recommend avoiding fresh produce entirely, as fruits and vegetables are important for a healthy diet. Instead, they advise taking extra care to wash all produce thoroughly and to cook items when possible. If you are immunocompromised or at higher risk, you may want to consider cooking produce or choosing cooked alternatives until the outbreak is resolved.

This is an original report by Vital Signs Today, informed by reporting from Google News. Read the original source.

This article is for information only and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.