As federal health officials continue to monitor a growing number of cyclosporiasis cases this summer, including several in Northeast Florida, many are asking how they can stay healthy and avoid the parasite that’s making people sick.
Infectious disease expert Dr. Shalika Katugaha with Baptist Health joined us on The Morning Show to share some important insights.
Keep it clean
She said the Cyclospora protozoan parasite can get caught in the bumps and ridges of some produce, like raspberries and leafy greens like basil, cilantro, lettuce, snap peas and mixed salads.
Katugaha explained that the Cyclospora gets on the produce through water contaminated with fecal matter that is carrying the parasite. And because people are infected with the Cyclospora from ingesting it, the illness is not passed from person to person.
But Katugaha said we don’t have to cut potentially contaminated foods from our diets to avoid getting sick.
“We have to have our fruits and vegetables, so let me tell you how to stay healthy,” she said.
- Cook whatever vegetables can be cooked
- Thoroughly wash fruits in running water to clean the bumps and ridges, preferably with the fruit and vegetable brush
- Wash fruit even if you plan to peel it, so the parasite doesn’t transfer to the inside from your knife or peeler
- Pat with a paper towel to remove even more bacteria
- If you see bruised areas, get rid of it
She said chemical disinfectants don’t work on Cyclospora, so your best bet is washing and brushing to clean the grooves and bumps or with lettuce, taking off the head and eating the interior.
Signs and symptoms
Katugaha warned that, unlike other forms of food poisoning that can happen quickly, Cyclospora has an incubation period of seven days, making it difficult to trace the source.
Symptoms can include severe cramping, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue and protracted watery diarrhea that can last several days (more than 48 hours). Katugaha said the diarrhea can wax and wane and stay for days, but anything longer than 48 hours and you should contact your doctor right away.
Most people can recover at home with plenty of rest and water, but Katugaha warned against using anti-diarrheal products, such as Imodium, because the toxin that’s making you sick will stay in your body.
“You want to see how the diarrhea plays out,” she said.
She encouraged those who fall ill to follow the traditional BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) and stick with breads, rice and lots of clear fluids to avoid dehydration.
Young children, older adults and those who are immunocompromised are especially vulnerable and suffer more severe symptoms, including gall bladder disease.
Local counties with confirmed cases (as of 7/9)
Duval County
Duval County has one recorded case in a patient between the ages of 25-29. That case was acquired outside of the United States.
St. Johns County
St. Johns County now has two cases. One confirmed case involved a patient between the ages of 70 and 74, with the infection believed to have been acquired in Florida. Another involved a patient between the ages of 35 and 39, also believed to have been acquired in Florida.
Alachua County
Alachua County recorded one confirmed case in a patient between the ages of 40 and 44. The source of acquisition for that case is unknown.
Columbia County
Columbia County recorded one confirmed case in a patient between the ages of 40 and 44. That case was acquired outside of the United States.
Flagler County
Flagler County recorded one confirmed case in a patient between the ages of 60 and 69. That case was also acquired outside of the United States.