As cases of parasite-caused diarrhea have now been reported in Tennessee, one local doctor warns residents to thoroughly wash all produce to prevent the spread of Cyclosporiasis.
Livingston Regional’s Dr. Baron Herford said the parasite is typically transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with fecal matter. Herford said while there is no person-to-person transmission, the infection can cause symptoms that last for weeks or even months. Herford said it is paramount to wash fresh produce before consuming.
“If you start having more going out than coming in, as far as like the diarrhea and everything versus what you’re taking in, really need to see your doctor and get checked out,” Herford said. “We do have the testing available here at the hospital for the parasite.”
Herford said patients should seek medical attention if they experience extreme thirst or have more than four episodes of diarrhea in a single day. Herford said the infection poses a higher risk to individuals with chronic illnesses or those who are immunocompromised because they can become dehydrated very quickly. For most people, Herford said the risk posed by the infection is relatively low.
“If you’re immune-compromised or anything like that, yeah, please go see your doctor,” Herford said. “Like I said, some simple over-the-counter antibiotics can cover it.”
Herford said the parasite is often linked to produce imported from other countries that may have been exposed to contaminated water sources. Herford said cooking food thoroughly is another effective way to kill any potential parasites before consumption.
“Wash your food, especially anything that you pick up from the store that may have been from another country or something, wash it really good as you should do with all your produce, wash it really good, and make sure if you’re going to cook it, cook it really good as well to make sure you kill any parasites,” Herford said.
Herford said there has been at least one reported case of the infection in Jackson, though the specific source of that case remains unclear. Herford said while some reports suggest bagged salad mixes could be a source, all types of produce should be treated with caution.
“Realistically, lettuce has no nutritional value anyway except for good fiber,” Herford said. “So I mean, if you have to stay away from lettuce, that’s perfectly fine, but you know, the ones with higher yield of nutrients like spinach and things like that, I would say try not to avoid it if you can but just make sure you wash it really well.”
Herford said the risk to the general public is minimal, but the infection remains a significant concern for those with waning immune systems. Herford said locally grown produce is generally considered a safer option than items imported from international sources. Despite the unpleasant symptoms, Herford said there is little reason to panic at this point.
“On a scale of one to ten, probably about a three or four,” Herford said. “Like I said, now if you have chronic ongoing illnesses and you’ve got a waning immune system, like with on immunosuppressants and things like that, it can be fairly serious, but for normally you and I, it’ll be more of a nuisance than anything else.”
Herford said residents should pay close attention to their physical health and consult with medical professionals if symptoms persist.
