Key Takeaway:
- Texas Cyclospora cases have reached 48, with at least 20 hospitalizations nationwide, as a multistate foodborne outbreak continues.
- Health experts say the parasite causes severe, recurring diarrhea and stomach cramps, and routine stool tests may not automatically detect it.
- Officials have not identified the outbreak source and advise washing fresh produce thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.
Texas has reported 48 Cyclospora cases as a multistate foodborne illness spreads across the United States, hospitalizing at least 20 people and prompting doctors to urge early diagnosis and thorough washing of fresh produce.
Texas Sees Seasonal Spike as Cases Increase
Texas health officials have confirmed 48 Texas Cyclospora cases, a foodborne illness caused by a parasite that infects the intestines. Medical experts say infections typically rise during the summer, but this year’s increase across multiple states could become one of the most significant in recent years.
Dr. David Winter, an internal medicine physician with Baylor Scott & White, said the illness is more severe than many common stomach infections.
“It’s really a bad disease right now,” Winter said. “The diarrhea is so bad, they call it explosive diarrhea.”
Nationwide, at least 20 people have been hospitalized with symptoms that can persist for several weeks.
Doctors Urge Early Testing and Treatment
Health experts say Texas Cyclospora cases are caused by a parasite rather than a virus or bacteria. Winter said the organism multiplies inside the intestines, leading to recurring episodes of severe gastrointestinal illness.
“It’s a parasite. It’s not a virus; it is not bacteria,” Winter said. “Once it gets in your intestine, it starts to multiply.”
Symptoms commonly include severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort. While many patients recover with treatment at home, doctors say antibiotics can effectively treat the infection.
Winter advised patients with prolonged or severe diarrhea to tell their physicians about their symptoms because many standard laboratory stool tests do not automatically screen for cyclospora.
“Most stool tests in laboratories don’t look for this,” Winter said. “You want to be sure and tell your doctor” if you have severe diarrhea and cramping.
Officials Continue Search for Outbreak Source
Health experts say cyclospora spreads through food or water contaminated with infected feces and is rarely passed directly from one person to another.
Investigators have not identified the source of the current outbreak. Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including basil, cilantro, raspberries, and snow peas.
Doctors recommend thoroughly washing fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them to reduce the risk of infection. Although the illness remains relatively uncommon, Winter said its effects can be severe for those who become infected.
“It’s rare, but boy, when you get it, it is tough,” Winter said.
Health officials continue monitoring Texas Cyclospora cases as investigators work to determine the source of the outbreak and encourage anyone experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical evaluation.
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