Texas Health Officials See a Spike in Food-Born Illness

DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – Texas health officials have reported an increase in reports of a food-born illness that is often linked to produce.

The Department of State Health Services said 68 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the last month.

The department’s Chris Van Deusen said they’re seeing a spike in cases this Summer.

“It’s more than we would typically see in that period of time. We want to make sure people are aware so they can look out for it and that doctors and health providers are aware,” he said.

Officials are concerned because the cases aren’t concentrated in one area.

“Cases are being reported in the major metro areas including the Metroplex as well as some smaller towns and rural areas as well. So, they’ve been concentrated in the large areas as you would expect but we’ve seen some in other places too,” he said.

The symptoms of a cyclospora infection range from slight to severe.

“The primary symptom, as unpleasant as it is, is watery diarrhea that tends to persist for long time. Days, weeks and even months in some cases. A lot of that is accompanied by some other symptoms predominately severe fatigue and loss of appetite,” he said.

Deusen said treatment of the infection typically includes a round of antibiotics.

The department is encouraging all citizens to wash their produce thoroughly and see a doctor if they start to experience symptoms.