AUSTIN — The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating dozens cases of illnesses due to the parasite Cyclospora. Of those, 42 were reported in Travis County alone.
Officials say the age ranges differ from two to 73 years old. So far, at least three adults have been hospitalized.
The department is working with local health departments around the state, as well as other states seeing an outbreak, to gather information about the cases and to determine if there is a common source.
According to the department, at least 12 of those cases reported traveling internationally to Cyclospora endemic countries during their incubation period -- Cuba, Mexico and Guatemala. No common cause has been found between domestic cases. The department is working with the Texas Department of State Health Services to track down fresh produce items these cases reported eating during their 14-day incubation period.
The parasite causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis, which is caused by consuming food or water infected with Cyclospora. Symptoms include diarrhea lasting a few days to a few months, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, vomiting and a low fever. These symptoms can come and go multiple times over a period of weeks or months.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to contact their health care provider for treatment. Providers are urged by a recent health advisory to test and report patients with long-lasting diarrhea, loss of appetite or fatigue.
In the past, U.S. outbreaks have been connected to the consumption of imported fresh produce including pre-packaged salad mix, raspberries, basil, snow peas and mesclun greens. In Texas specifically, outbreaks have been linked to cilantro as well.
Health officials told KVUE that although they haven't found a source in the 2018 Texas outbreak, the best thing to do is to wash every fruit and vegetable consumed, especially if they're imported from other countries.
"The parasite has been associated to be contracted water borne and fresh fruits and vegetable contamination," says Dr. Philip Huang, Medical Director for the Austin Health and Human Services.
Dr. Huang said Cyclospora is nothing new.
"Typically, we see an increase when summer comes around and Travis County has had the largest number so far in the state of Texas," Dr. Huang said.
Cooking will kill the parasite. They said the infection is usually not transmitted from person to person.
In 2015, Travis County reported more than 115 cases and health officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services said that number in 2018 is expected to increase.
"Most people are not going to the hospital if they catch Cyclospora, but anything that causes dehydration in the Texas heat, it is not good," says Lara Anton, spokesperson for the Texas Health Department.
So far, four other states have identified the source of more than 185 cases, with said states linking back to trays of pre-cut fresh vegetables from Del-Monte produce.
Although Texas health officials still haven't found what's causing this problem, anyone with severe stomach pain symptoms could help find a solution.
"We want to identify it early to see if there are links to some other cases to find out what's causing it," says Dr. Huang, asking anyone with symptoms to visit their doctors.
Symptoms don't usually begin until two to 14 days after eating something contaminated and doctors say the infection could last days, weeks, and even months.
There were 319 cases reported in Texas last year. For an updated list of reported cyclosporiasis cases by county, click here.