What is Cyclosporiasis and should you be worried?
What is Cyclosporiasis and do you need to worry about it?
It is an intestinal parasite, so not like e coli which is a bacteria or norovirus which is a virus.
Because it is a parasite, the effects (watery diarrhea, urgent and frequent bowel movements mostly) take closer to 7 days vs 24 hours like e coli.This is making it harder to identify the contaminated food.
So far, the biggest assumption is that leafy greens are the culprit. Most likely bagged salads or greens like spinach, but we just are not sure yet.
Over 30 states are affected.
It comes from contact with feces yes. No, your greens are not being watered by 'poop water' but in these larger farming operations, there is usually livestock nearby and runoff water from their living area must have mixed with the irrigation somehow. This is my guess, based on what I know about public health and agriculture.
It is not killed with rubbing alcohol, fruit or veg wash, baking soda/vinegar soak. It is killed by cooking to at least 160 degrees.
How do you prevent it?
Shop locally. If your farmers market has vendors, ask them if they grow their food. Sometimes, farmers markets sell the same things as the grocery store so always smart to double check where your produce comes from.
Avoid supermarket leafy greens, bagged salads, and fresh herbs for now. I know, this is awful.If you cook the greens, you are OK!
Buy stuff you can peel or cook, and wash it anyway. Rinse by rubbing thoroughly under running water. Then peel or cook. Wash your cutting board, knife after.
You can also burn it off the outside. Grilling or broiling the outside of things like tomatoes or bell peppers for 1-2 minutes (after you wash them) should do the trick as well.
Use frozen vegetables and fruits!
I know this stuff is annoying and scary, but we have to continue to live a normal life as much as possible. If you suspect you have it, ask your doctor for a test for Cyclosporiasis (it is a specific test) and if it's positive, they will treat you with antibiotics. Don't just 'ride it out' because this will make your gut feel worse than it already does. I hope this helps!
