Posted: 7/20/2015
More than 160 Cyclospora cases reported in Texas this season
Picnics, barbeques, swimming, boating, camping and vacation travel make summer nearly everyone’s favorite season. Unfortunately, summer also is an ideal time for intestinal diseases to flourish. Basic knowledge about food and drinking water safety can prevent a lot of discomfort and even serious illness at this time of year, according to a gastroenterology specialist at Parkland Health & Hospital System.
“Many intestinal diseases are caused by consuming food or water contaminated with parasites or bacteria that thrive in warm conditions,” said Christian A. Mayorga, MD, Clinical Chief of Digestive and Liver Diseases at Parkland Memorial Hospital and Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
During the past three summers, outbreaks of Cyclospora infection have hit Texas hard, Dr. Mayorga noted. Since early June this year, 164 cases have been reported in the state and several hundred nationwide. The number of Texas cases has doubled in the past two weeks. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), cases have been reported in at least 22 counties, with Dallas and Travis counties reporting the highest numbers.
Cyclospora is contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanesis parasite, found in feces (stool). The infection causes diarrhea accompanied by a severe loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, stomach cramps and pain, nausea and other flu-like symptoms. Last year, Texas had 200 cases of Cyclosporiasis associated with contaminated cilantro from Mexico. Other outbreaks have been traced to salad mix, raspberries, basil, snow peas and lettuce. No cause has yet been determined for the current outbreak, according to TDSHS.
“Symptoms can persist for a few days to a month or longer if untreated,” said Dr. Mayorga. “If you have any of these symptoms or suspect you’ve been exposed to Cyclosporaiasis through contaminated food or water, see your healthcare provider. Lab tests are required to identify the parasite and antibiotics are the recommended treatment.”
To prevent the infection, Dr. Mayorga said, people should avoid food or water that may have been contaminated. “Wash fresh produce thoroughly, but know that washing may not entirely eliminate the risk. Cooking will kill the parasite.”
Giardia is another waterborne intestinal infection caused by parasites that can be found in backcountry lakes and streams, municipal water supplies, swimming pools, spas and wells. It can also be transmitted through contact with an infected person or food. Symptoms of giardia can persist long after the parasites are gone from your system. Drugs used to treat giardia infection are not effective with everyone.
“Prevention is the best defense,” said Dr. Mayorga. “If traveling abroad or in backcountry areas, drink bottled water or treat water used for cooking, drinking or brushing your teeth by boiling, using an approved filtration device to remove giardia cysts or by superchlorination, a purification technique that requires a higher level of chlorine and a longer time than normal to disinfect the water.”
Food spoilage accounts for a lot of misery each summer in the form of diarrhea, constipation, nausea and heartburn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses are reported in the U.S. each year.
“Warm temperatures encourage bacteria to grow rapidly on food,” said Dr. Mayorga. “It’s crucial to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot whether serving indoors or outside.”
When camping or grilling in the backyard, be sure to cook meats to the proper internal temperatures for each meat variety. Another tip is to store cold foods and beverages in separate coolers to help keep refrigerated foods at lower temperatures when people are reaching for chilled drinks frequently.
Dehydration is another warm-weather risk that can lead to constipation and nausea. “It’s important to drink enough fluids, especially water, when it’s warm outside,” Dr. Mayorga said. “If you develop nausea or diarrhea, it’s even more important to stay hydrated. Drink clear liquids slowly, one teaspoon at a time, and don’t consume any solid foods until you can keep the fluids down.”
If you do come down with a digestive problem while traveling, Dr. Mayorga said that over-the-counter remedies like antacids and antidiarrheal drugs can be helpful, but if symptoms persist you should seek medical help.
“If you have severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea or vomiting accompanied by a fever, see a doctor right away,” Dr. Mayorga recommended.