A recent surge in reports of illnesses due to the parasite Cyclospora has prompted DSHS to investigate the infections in hopes of determining a common source. DSHS has received reports of 121 Cyclosporiasis cases from around Texas this year, including 109 in the last two weeks.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite. The major symptom is watery diarrhea lasting a few days to a few months. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, vomiting and a low fever. People who think they may have a Cyclosporainfection should contact their health care provider.
DSHS recommends thoroughly washing fresh produce, but that may not entirely eliminate the risk because Cyclospora can be difficult to wash off. Cooking will kill the parasite.
Last year, Texas had 200 cases, some of which were associated with cilantro from the Puebla region in Mexico.
Texas Cyclospora Health Advisory
| County | # Cases |
|---|---|
| Bexar | 3 |
| Caldwell | 1 |
| Collin | 3 |
| Dallas | 6 |
| Denton | 1 |
| El Paso | 1 |
| Fort Bend | 1 |
| Galveston | 1 |
| Grayson | 1 |
| Guadalupe | 1 |
| Harris | 5 |
| Hays | 4 |
| Hunt | 2 |
| Kaufman | 1 |
| Kendall | 1 |
| Kleberg | 2 |
| Llano | 1 |
| McCulloch | 1 |
| Potter | 1 |
| Tarrant | 2 |
| Taylor | 2 |
| Tom Green | 2 |
| Travis | 55 |
| Washington | 1 |
| Wichita | 1 |
| Williamson | 8 |
| Unknown or pending county assignment |
13 |
