Food items to keep an eye on amid ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite outbreak
Max Zepeda
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — For nearly a month, much of the Borderland and the country has had growing concerns over an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite.
It is caused by consuming food or water that contains the parasite and is characterized by symptoms that can include watery or “explosive” diarrhea. Officials said high-risk food items include certain fruits and vegetables.
According to Angela Walla, a professor in the Department of Animal & Food Sciences at Texas Tech University, who is a microbiologist and food scientist, high-risk produce items include lettuce and salad greens.
Examples of these high-risk items include:
Bagged, re-washed, organic salads
Pre-packaged vegetable trays
Raspberries and blackberries
Basil and cilantro
Green onions
Watercress
The public is encouraged to take appropriate steps to avoid cyclospora by washing all produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking — regardless of whether it is pre-washed.
You should also wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.