The State Health Department says Mississippi now has five confirmed cases of an intestinal illness which has been at the center of a multi-state outbreak in recent weeks. And at least one of those cases of cyclosporiasis is in the public health district which includes Attala, Holmes, Carroll and Montgomery counties along with much of the Delta. The Health Department won’t say which county it is. Other cases have been confirmed in health districts which include the Jackson area, the Pine Belt and the coast. It’s not known if the cases are somehow linked. And the Health Department can’t say if this is an unusual number of cases because this illness has never been tracked before in this state. Medical providers across Mississippi have been alerted to watch for patients exhibiting symptoms of cyclosporiasis.
According to the Health Department:
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Infection occurs after a person consumes food or water contaminated with the parasite.
Most U.S. outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs and berries. Illness is not usually spread from person to person.
Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure, but can begin anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms range from mild to severe; some infected people may have no symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent, watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Abdominal cramping and bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Increased gas
- Vomiting (less common)
- You can reduce your risk of cyclosporiasis by:
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- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the restroom.
- Washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
- Refrigerating perishable foods promptly.
- Drinking water from safe, treated sources.
- Following food safety recommendations when traveling internationally.
Important
Because Cyclospora parasites can adhere tightly to produce, routine washing may reduce but does not completely eliminate the risk of infection. Cooking foods thoroughly kills the parasite.
