State health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration are gearing up for the annual Cyclospora outbreak season, which typically spans from May to August. In a recent development, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is urging healthcare providers to be on high alert and test patients for the Cyclospora parasite.
The intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora is a matter of concern, with Texas alone reporting over 800 cases of cyclosporiasis in 2023. The majority of these cases occurred between May and August. The DSHS is specifically advising healthcare providers to test individuals who exhibit symptoms such as watery diarrhea lasting more than a few days, severe loss of appetite, fatigue, and other associated symptoms.
To combat the spread of cyclosporiasis, clinicians are urged to order testing promptly for patients displaying symptoms consistent with the illness. Furthermore, rapid reporting to public health authorities is deemed crucial in preventing further cases. The DSHS stresses the importance of ongoing surveillance and testing to curb the impact of Cyclospora outbreaks.
In addition to testing and reporting, the DSHS recommends proactive measures for both healthcare providers and the public. This includes thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially before and after handling fruits and vegetables. Cleaning and scrubbing all fresh produce, cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops are also advised. It is essential for consumers, retailers, and restaurants to understand that washing produce may not completely eliminate the risk of Cyclospora transmission, as the parasite can be resilient.
Despite efforts to sanitize, routine chemical disinfection methods are unlikely to eradicate the parasite, emphasizing the importance of testing and preventive measures. Fortunately, Cyclospora does not spread through direct person-to-person contact, underscoring the significance of early detection and containment efforts to combat cyclosporiasis outbreaks.
