Cyclospora is a parasite that often causes traveler’s diarrhea. In recent years, food poisoning outbreaks have been traced to imported fresh produce, salad mixes, and fruit from Mexico.
Need a Texas Cyclosporiasis Lawyer? 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 a cyclosporiasis food poisoning outbreak, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
Cyclospora Outbreak in Texas Sickens 150 People
In 2015, around 150 people in Texas were infected with Cyclospora parasites in a food poisoning outbreak. Health officials warned that fresh herbs imported from Mexico were likely to blame. Click here to read more.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an infection by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a single-celled parasite that is transmitted to humans by eating feces-contaminated fresh produce and/or water. After a 1-2 week incubation period, Cyclospora infects the small bowel and causes gastrointestinal illness.
How Common is Cyclosporiasis in Texas?
Not very. In 2012, 44 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in Texas. From 2001-2011, only 49 cases total were reported. Since the 1990s, smaller outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to imported fresh produce, including basil, snow peas, raspberries, and mesclun lettuce. The Cyclospora parasite is uncommon in Texas, but common in tropical and sub-tropical countries.
Texas Counties Reporting Cyclosporiasis Infections
- Austin
- Brazoria
- Cameron
- Collin
- Coryell
- Dallas
- Denton
- El Paso
- Ellis
- Fort Bend
- Galveston
- Guadalupe
- Harden
- Harris
- Henderson
- Hidalgo
- Hood
- Hunt
- Johnson
- Kaufman
- Kendall
- Montague
- Parker
- Potter
- Smith
- Tarrant
- Tom Green
- Travis
- Van Zandt
- Victoria
- Walker
- Wichita
- Williamson
- Wise
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include watery diarrhea that is persistent, frequent, and sometimes explosive. Fatigue is another characteristic symptom. These symptoms may persist for weeks or even months. They may go away and then return one or more times (relapse).
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis:
- Watery diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Muscle or body aches
- Low-grade fever
- Flu-like symptoms
Treatment for Cyclosporiasis Food Poisoning
According to the CDC, treatment for cyclosporiasis in most healthy adults involves a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), sold under the brand-names Bactrim, Septra, and Sulfatrim. The typical regimen is TMP 160-mg plus SMX 800-mg (one double-strength tablet), orally, twice a day, for 7-10 days. People with cyclosporiasis must also rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, which can lead to life-threatening complications like kidney failure.
Additional Information and Resources
- Texas Food Poisoning Lawyer — The Clark Firm, LLP Home Page for Food Poisoning Lawsuits
- Investigation of an Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in the United States — Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Updates Cyclosporiasis Food Poisoning
- Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in Texas — Texas Health Department Updates
Need a Cyclosporiasis Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas cyclosporiasis lawyers for a free lawsuit review.