An epidemic of parasites infects dozens across Texas, still unknown source: Health & Medicine: Nature World News

July 5, 2018 17:19 EDT

A parasite outbreak has already sickened a total of 56 people across Texas. Health officials are still investigating outbreaks

Behind this sudden onset of the disease in the state is the parasite Cyclospora, which causes intestinal infection cyclosporiasis. The main symptom of the disease is watery diarrhea

An outbreak in Texas

An official report from the State Department of Health Services of Texas reveals that there are a total of 56 confirmed individuals affected by the parasite.

According to KXAN, infected people come from Travis County, a figure higher than any other infected county, while Bexar County has 11 cases. However, scientists warn that this number could be a conservative estimate. In 2017, there were 319 cases of cyclosporosis in Texas

"There could easily be 10 times more cases than those who are undiagnosed," says Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College. of Medicine. "This has been a fairly recurring theme recently here in the United States, with fairly regular outbreaks mostly coming from imported fruits and vegetables, sourced mostly from Latin America."

State Department of Health Reveals Cyclosporiosis Outbreaks in the United States These products were found to be related to imported fresh products, such as blends of prepackaged salads, raspberries, basil , snow peas and green greens. Coriander has been linked to outbreaks in Texas

Health officials are currently studying ongoing cases, as well as traceability of the source of the parasite.

About Cyclosporosis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that people can contract cyclosporosis by eating food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. In particular, travelers who visit countries where infection is common are at risk.

Although the most common symptom is watery diarrhea, other symptoms accompany the disease: loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach upset, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Flu-like symptoms such as fever and vomiting may also occur. However, some people are infected with Cyclospora but have no symptoms.

Cyclosporosis can last from a few days to a month or more. The treatment often consists of antibiotics, as well as rest and water for people with diarrhea.

Some of the advice of the DSHS to avoid contracting the disease includes deep washing of fresh produce, although this is not a way to prevent disease because this specific parasite is difficult to eliminate. The kitchen is going to kill her, though.