42 Sickened By Feces-Contaminated Food In Texas

24 Jun

WASHING PRODUCE
Joern Pollex via Getty Images

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Cyclosporiasis, a stomach illness linked to food or water contaminated with the cyclospora parasite — which is transmitted through infected feces — hit Texas this week, sickening 42 people. A total of 54 have been sickened by the parasite in the state this year.

Though health officials don’t know the source of the outbreak yet, a 2013 outbreak in Texas that sickened more than 270 people was linked to fresh cilantro, bagged salad mix, raspberries and basil, reported CBS Dallas/Forth Worth.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea and fatigue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials recommend washing all produce, though only cooking will kill the parasite, according to the Texas Department Of State Health Services website.

For updates and potential source leads, please visit the Texas Department Of State Health Services:


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