As the nation grapples with a significant health concern, many are wondering what “Make America Healthy Again” truly means. A troubling cyclospora outbreak, a parasite responsible for severe digestive issues, has emerged, and federal response seems lacking. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from this parasite.
Understanding Cyclospora
Cyclospora is a parasite that leads to cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal disease marked by intense vomiting and acute watery diarrhea. According to NBC News, this illness is foodborne and more severe than typical food poisoning episodes.
Dr. Caitlin Rivers from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security informs CNN, “If you get norovirus or something, you might have a rough 24 or 48 hours, but people with this parasite can be sick for weeks or sometimes even months with a sort of relapsing pattern, and so that can really wear down your body.”
Galenn Sekulich, a Michigan resident, shared her struggles with USA Today, detailing symptoms persisting weeks after her diagnosis. “It felt like I had COVID fatigue because my body felt so weak, but then it also felt like I had norovirus that wasn’t ending,” she noted. “This has just lingered and lingered. It’s really hard to be sick for two weeks … You can’t stand up because you can’t eat, and your body’s so tired and fatigued.”
Current Outbreak Locations
Michigan reports the most significant outbreak, with over 1,000 cases identified. However, nearly 28 other states, including Texas, California, New York, and North Carolina, have also reported cases. The heat-loving parasite thrives under current weather conditions with many states experiencing severe heat waves. Unfortunately, the CDC’s decision last year to cease tracking cyclospora cases leaves many without vital information, and the federal government’s response remains absent.
Last year, food safety experts cautioned that the Trump administration’s regulatory rollbacks might increase foodborne illnesses. This warning seems prescient as the country faces both this Cyclospora outbreak and a New World Screwworm outbreak.
Prevention Measures
While avoiding produce entirely is impractical, especially for those on plant-based diets, there are precautions to reduce cyclospora risks. Fresh produce, particularly fruits, vegetables, and herbs, are typical culprits for cyclospora contamination. Medical experts, cited by AP, recommend steering clear of prewashed, bagged lettuce and instead opting for whole lettuce heads, removing outer layers, and washing thoroughly. Cooking vegetables when possible is also advisable.
If you experience persistent diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness beyond two days, seeking medical attention is crucial. While the illness is typically non-fatal, antibiotics are effective in treatment.
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