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Fresh products. (Photo from KXAN file)
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AUSTIN (KXAN) – Texas health officials say they have been investigating 56 cases of cyclospora parasite disease since the beginning of May.
The state's Department of Health Services says working with health departments around the state and the country after seeing an epidemic of cyclosporosis, which is an intestinal disease caused by the consumption of Food or water contaminated by the microscopic parasite
Watery diarrhea is the main symptom, a few days to a few months. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, vomiting, and low fever.
The department says that symptoms can come and go several times for weeks or months. Anyone with symptoms that may be related to cyclospora should contact their local health care provider.
Earlier outbreaks have been associated with imported fresh products, including prepackaged salad mixes, raspberries, basil, snow peas and mesclun. Department of State Health said, including several outbreaks of Texas related to coriander.
The DSHS recommends carefully washing all fresh products, but this does not entirely eliminate the risk because cyclospora can be very difficult to wash.
Cooking will kill the parasite. The department says that the infection is not usually transmitted directly from person to person.
There were 319 cases of cyclosporiasis in Texas last year.
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