(KTLA) – As summer ripens into full swing, Americans are stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables. However, health officials are cautioning the public about a parasitic outbreak that has already affected hundreds nationwide.
Reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that over 840 cases of cyclosporiasis have surfaced across 31 states since May. The actual number could be much higher, as Michigan has recorded more than 1,500 cases on its own.
Authorities are diligently working to trace back the origin of these infections.
The illness known as cyclosporiasis is triggered by Cyclospora cayetanensis. This microscopic parasite wreaks havoc on the intestines after people ingest contaminated food or water. In the United States, the culprit is often produce tainted with the parasite.
Unlike typical gastrointestinal infections, cyclosporiasis does not pass from one person to another.
A Southern California woman, who asked not to be identified, said she recently recovered from the illness. She told Jillian Smukler of Nexstar’s KTLA that it was unlike anything she had ever experienced.
“It was the sickest I’ve ever been,” she explained. “I’ve never felt that sick before.”
She described days of severe gastrointestinal illness, saying she suffered intense stomach pain and was unable to keep food down.
“It was coming out of both ends,” she said. “Every time I tried to eat, it was like a stabbing pain in my stomach, and I couldn’t keep anything down.”
The woman said she lost nearly 10 pounds in about a week before seeking medical treatment. After being diagnosed, she was prescribed antibiotics and quickly began to recover.
“I don’t remember how long I was on antibiotics, but within about a week I was perfectly fine,” she said.
Dr. Ariel Malamud, a gastroenterologist, said symptoms typically appear five to seven days after infection.
“The most common symptoms are diarrhea, which can be watery and explosive, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever and abdominal pain,” Malamud said.
Without treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks or even disappear temporarily before returning, doctors say. Fortunately, the infection can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics once it is properly diagnosed.
“If you get diarrhea, go for an evaluation,” Malamud said. “Do your stool studies so we can get an answer of what we’re dealing with and treat you appropriately.”
While investigators are still trying to determine what has caused a spike in cases this year, previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including cilantro, basil, raspberries, and leafy greens.
Food safety expert Candice Christian said proper handling of produce at home can help reduce the risk of illness.
“The best defense you can take is to scrub any firm produce,” Christian said. “If you’ve got melons or cucumbers, you want to scrub those with a vegetable brush, not just rinse them.”
Health officials also recommend washing all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them, peeling produce when possible, choosing whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-shredded bagged greens, and cooking produce when practical.
The Southern California woman said the experience changed the way she handles fresh produce.
“I would not wish that on my worst enemy,” she said. “I was so sick. It was that awful.”