(NEXSTAR) – A recent surge in illnesses caused by a parasite has affected hundreds, raising concerns about the safety of consuming fruits and vegetables. Authorities are diligently investigating the source of this issue, but until then, it’s understandable to feel hesitant about what you eat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported at least 145 cyclosporiasis cases across the U.S. since May. Alarmingly, numbers in some states are much higher, with Michigan alone confirming over 1,000 cases by July 9.
Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, which is uncommon in the U.S. The parasite spreads through food and water tainted with fecal matter. According to health officials in Wisconsin, some individuals may contract the parasite while traveling to regions where it is more prevalent. CDC reports indicate that at least 45 individuals have fallen ill after consuming contaminated food or water abroad.
Within the U.S., cyclosporiasis cases are frequently linked to contaminated fresh produce, such as romaine lettuce, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and raspberries. Although the cause of the current cases remains unidentified, the CDC has stated there is “no evidence of a single, multistate … outbreak” at this time.
Nonetheless, you may find yourself apprehensive about being exposed, especially based on the possible symptoms you could experience.
Not everyone who becomes ill has symptoms. Among those who do, as the CDC and Cleveland Clinic explain, the main symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea that can be loud and “sometimes explosive.”
Other symptoms can include a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, “bloating, including burping and farting,” low-grade fever, and extreme tiredness. These symptoms can set in between two days and two weeks after infection.
If you are experiencing symptoms, healthcare experts encourage you to seek medical care. A stool test is necessary to determine whether you have cyclosporiasis.
For some people, illness will “self-resolve after a few days,” Dr. Katie Theoktisto of Baylor Scott & White told Nexstar’s KXAN.
“If you’re having a diarrheal illness that’s lasting over a week or two, it’s probably something unusual,” she warned, saying that “those with prolonged symptoms should seek care from their health care providers.”
Young children, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems may be more severely impacted by the parasite, Theoktisto said. They may also experience a recurrence of symptoms.
Theoktisto said there are treatment options available. That can include antibiotics, according to the Cleveland Clinic, antidiarrheal medications, and hydration. If you are allergic to sulfa drugs, your doctor can use other options.
While those with healthy immune systems may be able to recover on their own, others could be “sick for anywhere from a few days to a month or longer,” the CDC says. Symptoms can come and go, and you may be at risk for “severe or long illness.” Left untreated, cyclosporiasis can stick around for a month or longer.
Thankfully, cyclospora is not believed to be transmitted from person to person.
To protect yourself, health experts recommend washing produce thoroughly before eating, cutting, or cooking.
If you’re going to refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked produce, do so as soon as possible. Experts also recommend cutting away any damaged or bruised areas of fruits and vegetables before using them.