Texas residents are once again being urged to use caution in the kitchen following an outbreak of cyclospora.
Currently, Texas has 54 reported cases, with Travis County having the most cases, at 23, health officials said Wednesday.
WHAT IS CYCLOSPORA?
Cyclospora is a single-celled, microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. The parasite is spread by people ingesting food or water that has been contaminated with feces.
Cyclosporiasis outbreaks are commonly linked with fresh produce, such as salad mixes and imported berries. The source of the parasite in the most recent outbreak remains unknown, but last August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Texas authorities determined that suppliers in Puebla, Mexico were the source of infected cilantro served at four Texas restaurants.
From June to August 2013, a total of 631 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in 25 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Texas there were 270 cases reported, but the cause of that outbreak was never determined.
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SYMPTOMS
According to the CDC, a cyclosporiasis infection can last from a few days to more than a month. Symptoms may go away, only to return later, and it is common to feel very tired. Cyclospora infects the small intestine and usually causes diarrhea, with frequent bowel movements.
Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, and nausea. Other symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headache, fever and other flu-like symptoms. Some people who are infected with cyclospora do not have any symptoms, however.
IS IT CONTAGIOUS?
Dr. Edward Dominguez at Methodist Medical Center in Dallas said it's the common question he gets.
"There is no person-to-person transmission. ... It has to go through a host, usually contaminated food," he said.
Infected people do not shed contagious forms of the parasite. The parasite is thought to require days to weeks in favorable environmental conditions to become infective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
TREATMENT
Anyone who suspects he or she is infected with cyclospora should see a health care provider immediately. The recommended treatment for an infection is a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim.
Unfortunately, there is no highly effective alternative for those allergic to sulfa drugs. People who have diarrhea should also rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Food safety precautions are the best way to avoid contact with the disease, but those who have previously been infected with cyclospora can become infected again.
NBC 5's Brian Roth and Ray Villeda contributed to this report.
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