The Broome County Health Department is urging residents to take precautions against cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that can cause prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms and is often linked to contaminated fresh produce.
According to wicz.com, the health department released safety tips aimed at helping residents reduce their risk of contracting the illness. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which infects the small intestine and can cause watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. Without treatment, the illness can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or longer, and symptoms may go away and come back one or more times.
People become infected by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite. Fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those imported from regions where Cyclospora is more common, have been linked to past outbreaks in the United States. The parasite is not spread directly from person to person.
Health officials recommended that residents wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food, and rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating them. Travelers to regions where the parasite is more prevalent should be especially careful about food and water safety.
Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis is advised to contact a healthcare provider. The illness is treatable with antibiotics, but a diagnosis typically requires a specific stool test that is not always part of routine testing, so patients should inform their doctor if they suspect the illness.