The number of cases of cyclosporiasis are contining to climb in Dallas and Tarrant counties.
As of 3 p.m. Friday, more than 30 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in DFW including 17 cases in Dallas County and 13 in Tarrant County. Those numbers are up slightly from Tuesday. The number of cases in Collin and Denton counties are five (since May) and two, respectively.
Past cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S. have been associated with the consumption of imported fresh produce, including fresh cilantro, prepackaged salad mix, raspberries, basil, snow peas and Mesclun, including an outbreak affecting Texas in 2013.
No common exposure source for the latest outbreak has been identified, though investigators are working to determine a common source among the afflicted.
Thorough washing of fresh produce is recommended as a precaution, though it may not eliminate the risk of transmission since cyclospora can be difficult to wash off all types of produce.
Infection is generally not transmitted directly from person to person and can be treated with Bactrim, an antibiotic. But even if you've had those symptoms and you never go to the doctor, they will go away eventually.
