CDC: Cyclosporiasis occurs in many countries, past US cases linked to imported produce
Cyclosporiasis parasite (CDC)
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cyclosporiasis occurs in many countries and is most common in tropical and subtropical regions.
The CDC says cyclosporiasis is most prevalent in Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.
The source of the current cyclosporiasis infection outbreak has not been identified, but the CDC says in the past, cases of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce, including:
- Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Fresh basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Green onions (scallions)
According to the CDC, no cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to commercially frozen or canned produce.
The CDC says researchers who have studied cyclosporiasis say the infection is seasonal but no consistent pattern regarding the time of year or the environmental conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, has been identified.
International travel and cyclosporiasis
What you can do:
The CDC says cases of cyclosporiasis infection in the US can also occur when people travel to areas where there is an outbreak of the disease.
People planning to travel overseas are encouraged to review the CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel to learn more precautions you can take before traveling.
Preventing cyclosporiasis
What you can do:
Health officials say rinsing your produce with running water and rubbing the surface of the fruit or vegetable can help to prevent the illness. They also say to consider frozen over fresh, although that doesn’t completely eliminate the risk. It’s safest if it’s cooked.
RELATED: Cyclosporiasis outbreak: How to wash produce
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
Timeline:
Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Low-grade fever
For people who do not get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.
Cyclosporiasis treatment
If you experience sudden, ongoing diarrhea, reach out to your health care provider and your local health department.
Symptoms can be improved with an antibiotic.
The Source: This article includes information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.