Warning! A Gross Stomach Bug That’s Sickening Thousands Is Coming Your Way—Here’s How to Avoid It

 

The foodborne illness is spreading across the country, but there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself

You can’t see it, smell it or taste it—but it can still make you sick.

Thousands of people in the United States have become sickened by Cyclospora, a parasite that causes unpleasant symptoms, such as diarrhea. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cases have been surging in nine states, with Michigan seeing the most reported illnesses. Cases have been reported in more than 47 states, with the highest number of infected persons living in New York and Texas.

The CDC monitors cases of cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the nasty parasite, in an attempt to link them to common food sources in the U.S. “Cyclosporiasis also can be acquired when people eat or drink contaminated food or water during travel outside the United States,” the CDC says.

The symptoms are fairly straightforward, according to Dr. Rebecca Schein, an infectious disease expert at Michigan State University Health Care.

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“It’s just more very watery diarrhea,” Schein told CNN. “More than three times a day and then feeling kind of bloated, full, uncomfortable. Sort of like you just ate Thanksgiving dinner, but every day. If you have a normal immune system, it will eventually go away, but it could take six weeks.”

While cyclosporiasis isn’t considered a deadly disease, it’s important to notify a healthcare provider if you feel as though you’ve contracted the parasite. Per the CDC, most people with healthy immune systems will make a full recovery from the sickness without treatment, but some may need to be prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Cyclospora isn’t your typical stomach bug. According to the Food and Drug Administration, there are certain foods that have been associated with outbreaks over the past few decades. They include raspberries, basil, pre-packaged salad mixes, cilantro and lettuce, to name a few.

The best way to avoid contracting Cyclospora is by thoroughly washing all produce—and then washing your hands after handling said produce.

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Sources:

• CDC: “Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis”
• People: “‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Parasite Sickens Nearly 2,000. Here’s Where Cyclospora Outbreaks Are Hitting Hardest”
• CNN: “What to know about cyclospora, the gut-churning parasite causing illness in several states, and how to avoid it”
• FDA: “7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables”