People who refuse to eat fruits and veggies might now say, “Told ya so.”
More than 1,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection that can spark “explosive” diarrhea, including 18 Massachusetts residents in recent weeks.
The infection cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora — which has been linked to various types of imported fresh produce.
People can get sick with cyclospora from eating fresh, uncooked produce that has been contaminated. Previous outbreaks in the U.S. have been tied to raspberries, fresh basil, cilantro, scallions, snow peas, and bagged salads.
These fruits and veggies probably came into direct contract with an infected person or contaminated water in a country where the parasite is more common.
“Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” the CDC’s website reads.
The current U.S. outbreak has now led to cases in dozens of states, with the most illnesses being reported in Michigan.
Cyclospora cases are reported in Massachusetts every year, according to the state Department of Public Health, noting that seasonal increases are common this time of year.
There’s no clear evidence of a cluster of cases in the Bay State as of now.
“Since May, there have been 18 cases of cyclosporiasis reported in MA residents, which is in line with the number of cases seen in Massachusetts around this time of year,” Massachusetts DPH said in a statement.
“Because we know that diagnosis does not always occur promptly following onset of symptoms, we anticipate that there will be additional cases reported that fall in this time frame,” DPH added.
More common foodborne and waterborne illnesses in the Bay State include norovirus with 1,544 cases so far this year, and salmonella with 487 cases.
When it comes to cyclosporiasis, the most common symptom is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include weight loss, bloating, lots of gas, cramps, nausea, vomiting, being tired, sore muscles, fever, and not feeling hungry.
Some people who become infected may not get symptoms. Sometimes people who seem to be getting better may relapse.
For most people, the diarrhea will last for a few days, but if not treated, some people can be sick for several weeks. It usually takes about five to seven days to get sick after you have eaten an infected food.
Cyclospora germs need time after being passed in the stool to be able to make a person sick.
“Because of this, cyclospora infection probably does not spread directly from person to person,” reads the Massachusetts DPH website.
Cyclosporiasis occurs in many countries, but it seems to be most common in tropical and subtropical regions.
Washing fruits and vegetables with water and a brush may help get rid of cyclospora. Cooking will kill the cyclospora germs. Fruits and vegetables that are peeled should be safe to eat.
“Avoiding food or water that may have been contaminated with feces is the best way to prevent cyclosporiasis and other foodborne germs,” reads the Massachusetts DPH website. “Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling or preparing fruits and vegetables. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with soap and hot water between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and seafood products and the preparation of fruits and vegetables that will not be cooked.
“Wash or rinse all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water before eating, cutting, or cooking,” DPH adds. “Fruits and vegetables that are labeled ‘prewashed’ do not need to be washed again at home. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating. Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, or within two hours.”
If you think you have cyclosporiasis, you should see your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can take a stool sample, and send it to a lab for testing.
If you have cyclospora in your stool, you may be treated with antibiotics or a combination of antibiotics.
If you have diarrhea, you should rest and drink plenty of clear fluids. Do not take any medicine until asking your healthcare provider about it.
