Most people who get cyclosporiasis are travelers, but anyone can be infected with the parasite. The best way to prevent Cyclospora food poisoning is to avoid food or water that may be contaminated with feces. Normal sanitation methods are not very effective at destroying the parasite.
Do I Have a Texas Cyclospora Lawsuit? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by food poisoning caused by a Cyclospora outbreak, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Cyclospora lawsuit in Texas.
Who gets Cyclosporiasis?
Anyone can get an infection from the Cyclospora parasite (a disease known as cyclosporiasis). It is most common in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The first cases were identified in travelers to these regions during the 1970s. People who live in these areas may have no symptoms if they are infected with Cyclospora.
How to Prevent Cyclospora Food Poisoning
Avoiding Cyclospora food poisoning is not easy, and the best way is to avoid drinking water or eating food that may be contaminated with feces. Treatment with chlorine or iodine is not likely to kill the parasite. There is not vaccine for cyclosporiasis.
According to a study published in American Society for Microbiology in January 2010, Cyclospora “is highly resistant to disinfectants commonly used in the food industry.” This resistance is enhanced by the parasite’s affinity for fresh foods, such as raspberries, where the parasite can be trapped on the surface of the fruit.
Steps to Take to Prevent Cyclospora Infection
- Avoid food that may be contaminated. Travelers have the highest risk of cyclosporiasis because of poorer water treatment and food sanitation. A rule of thumb for travelers is “Boil it, peel it, cook it, or forget it.”
- Wash your hands often. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, handling animal feces, gardening, or other activities that involve direct contact with soil.
- Avoid contaminated water. Contaminated water may be used in ice cubes, sprayed on fields of fresh produce, used to wash lettuce, clean plates and utensils, and more.
How Does Cyclospora Spread?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is not very contagious and it does not spread directly from person-to-person very often. This is because it requires some time (days or weeks) in the environment before it becomes infectious.
Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and sheds immature, non-infectious parasites called oocysts. These are excreted into the environment in the diarrhea of an infected person. Parasitic infection occurs when feces containing sporulated oocysts (infectious parasites) contaminates food or water, which is ingested by another person.
Resources & Additional Info
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