Texas is among at least 17 states reporting cases of a parasitic illness as federal health officials investigate a nationwide outbreak of Cyclospora, a foodborne parasite commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 145 cases of Cyclospora infection nationwide, resulting in 20 hospitalizations as of mid-June. No deaths have been reported.
Texas has reported between 11 and 30 cases, placing it among the states with the highest number of illnesses. Only New York, with 31 to 80 reported cases, has recorded more infections during the current outbreak.
Health officials say the source of the outbreak has not yet been identified, and investigations are ongoing.
Common Fresh Produce Linked to Past Outbreaks
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States have previously been associated with several types of fresh produce, including:
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Mesclun lettuce and salad mixes
- Spinach and other leafy greens
- Snow peas
- Raspberries
- Blackberries and other fresh berries
Many of these foods are typically eaten raw, making contamination more difficult to eliminate.
The CDC warns that washing produce alone is not always enough to remove Cyclospora parasites.
Previous U.S. outbreaks have been linked to imported produce, including herbs and berries from Mexico. In 2018, more than 400 people became ill during a Cyclospora outbreak tied to salads served at McDonald’s restaurants.
Symptoms Can Last for Weeks or Months
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. In the United States, infections are most common during the annual Cyclospora season, which runs from May 1 through August 31.
Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and commonly include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms include vomiting, headache, body aches, and a low-grade fever.
Without treatment, symptoms can persist for weeks or even months. Antibiotics are considered the most effective treatment.
Source Still Unknown
The CDC said many people who became sick during the current outbreak had not traveled before developing symptoms, suggesting the infections were acquired within the United States through contaminated food or water.
Health officials also caution that the actual number of infections is likely higher than reported because many people recover without seeking medical care or being tested.
People diagnosed during the current outbreak range in age from 17 to 89 years old.
The CDC and state health departments continue working to identify the food source responsible for the outbreak.
