Cyclosporiasis, an illness known for causing severe diarrhea, has been confirmed in Mississippi by the state’s health department.
Caused by the Cyclospora parasite, cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness that has been reported across the country in recent weeks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a health alert advising the public to avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
The Washington Post reported that investigators identified Taylor Farms – one of the world’s leading producers of fresh food and bagged salad, with facilities across North America and parts of Western Europe – as the supplier of the lettuce believed to cause the Cyclospora parasitic outbreak, originating in Mexico. They also reported that the FDA is working with the supplier to determine if the tainted lettuce was sent anywhere else.
The illness has now been identified in Mississippi, with the MSDH confirming two cases in the state. The department did not release the specific counties where the cases were confirmed but said one case was reported on the Gulf Coast and the other in the Pine Belt region.
The parasite is most commonly associated with contaminated produce, including lettuce, cilantro, basil, green onions, snap peas, and various types of berries. Infection can lead to frequent episodes of severe diarrhea that may last for weeks if left untreated.
“For prevention, wash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables,” MSDH Public Relations Specialist Andrea Dilworth said. “Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. It is also important to thoroughly wash produce even if it is labeled as pre-washed.”
According to the CDC, other symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, fatigue, and fever.
“We recommend people follow these CDC guidelines regarding cyclosporiasis,” Dilworth said. “If anyone notices symptoms, they should reach out to their healthcare provider right away. Without treatment, symptoms can follow a remitting-relapsing course that can last from a few days to a month or longer.”
The CDC has asked medical professionals nationwide to request stool testing for patients experiencing symptoms, noting that the Cyclospora parasite can only be detected and diagnosed through a stool sample.
