WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Local officials are advising residents to be vigilant as cases of cyclosporiasis rise across the country.
Several cases of the intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis have been reported in Washington, however Whatcom County’s health department said these cases have not surged to the levels of the outbreak impacting the majority of the U.S.
Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) put out information on the parasite and illness Thursday, July 16. They detailed symptoms and ways of protecting against cyclosporiasis.
The stomach bug is caused by parasitic cyclospora commonly found in raw produce such as leafy greens and raspberries. The Washington Post reports that the CDC has identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as a potential source of the outbreak concentrated in southeast Michigan.
The main symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal cramping.
WCHCS recommends rinsing fresh produce under running water, using a brush to scrub firmer items and refrigerating produce within two hours of preparation. They also recommend taking off any pieces of the food that has damage or bruising before ingestion as well as fully cooking raw foods to kill off germs.
Cross contamination should also be avoided by not using the same utensil or surface for raw meat and other tasks without sanitizing between.
Those who think they may have contracted cyclosporiasis should contact their health care provider.
