Texas residents warned of parasite causing serious stomach illness

Texas Health and Human services is warning residents of a parasite in Texas.

During the past six summers, a large number of Cyclosporiasis cases have occurred in Texas.

As of August 12, 2019, four clusters of Cyclosporiasis have been identified in Texas for the outbreak season.

Texas Health and Human Services is advising healthcare providers to consider testing patients for the parasite if they have experienced diarrhea-related illnesses lasting for more than a few days, or if they have experienced diarrhea accompanied by severe anorexia or fatigue.

The illness is caused by ingesting Cyclospora oocysts in contaminated food or water.

Symptoms of this illness appear within 2-14 days of consumption. Watery diarrhea can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, and affected patients have a chance of relapsing.

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and low grade fever.

Diagnosis of Cyclosporiasis can be made by submission of stool for "Ova and Parasite" testing.