JACKSON – The Mississippi State Department of Health is urging residents to carefully wash and handle fresh produce after five cases of cyclosporiasis were reported across the state.
The cases were reported in public health districts covering the Delta, central Mississippi, southern Mississippi and the coastal counties. Health officials said none of the Mississippi cases had been linked to the multistate outbreak being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson said residents should not panic. The parasite is known, the infection is treatable and the illness is rarely transmitted directly from one person to another.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. People can become infected after consuming contaminated food or water.
The CDC has linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia to the multistate outbreak. The agency considers May 1 through Aug. 31 the annual season for cyclosporiasis.
To reduce the risk of infection, health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
All produce should be washed thoroughly under running water before it is eaten, cut or cooked, even when it is labeled as prewashed. Firm produce, including melons and cucumbers, should be scrubbed with a clean produce brush.
Consumers should cut away bruised or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables and refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked produce within two hours.
MSDH noted that washing alone cannot guarantee the parasite will be removed. Cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, or 70 degrees Celsius, can kill Cyclospora.
Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure but may appear between two and 14 days later.
The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Some people may also experience a low-grade fever or vomiting.
Without treatment, symptoms may disappear and return over several weeks. The illness can become severe but is not usually life-threatening.
Anyone who develops symptoms is encouraged to contact a medical provider.
MSDH said it will continue monitoring the cases and coordinating with the CDC as the investigation continues.