Iowa reports seven cases of Cyclospora infection
Iowa health officials are investigating the source of an uncommon parasitic infection, which has sickened at least seven people in the past two weeks, according to a press-citizen.com report yesterday.
The cyclospora infections, which are characterized by long-lasting severe diarrhea, have been confirmed in residents of Benton, Des Moines, Fayette, Linn and Webster counties.
The report notes that cyclospora infections are so uncommon in the Hawkeye state that there has been only 10 cases reported during the past two decades.
This has prompted health officials to urge the public to wash your fruits and veggies thoroughly to prevent this infection.
Health officials say two other Midwestern states are also reporting possible outbreaks.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single celled coccidian parasite that is endemic in the United States and Canada.
The parasite causes watery diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, abdominal cramps and weight loss. Fever is a rare symptom.
People get infected with Cyclospora through foodborne or waterborne means. Swimming in contaminated water is also a way someone can get infected.
Cyclospora has been implicated in numerous outbreaks in North America with contaminated fruits and vegetables being the common culprits (raspberries, basil and lettuce all washed with contaminated water), especially those imported from developing nations.
Related story: Iowa reports first human West Nile virus case in Linn County man
All fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating though this does not guarantee safety. Cyclospora is resistant to chlorination.
Treatment is usually successful after a course of the antibiotic Septra. Patients with HIV or otherwise immunocompromised usually require higher dosages for a longer period of time. Untreated infections can last from a few days to over a month.
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