‘Explosive’ Diarrhea Inducing Parasite Spreading In Texas- Should Lubbock Worry?

I'm afraid my schedule is entirely too full this summer to accommodate a bout of explosive diarrhea. For that reason, I'll do my best to avoid catching Cyclospora, although its numbers in Texas are higher than in most other states.

What Is Cyclospora, And Why Does It Want To Give Me Explosive Diarrhea?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that is spread through consuming fecal particles in food or drink. So giving you "watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements" is a pretty effective reproductive strategy, although I consider it quite rude.

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Direct person-to-person contact is unlikely, as this parasite needs time outside the body to complete that stage of its life-cycle. So it's the consumption of weeks-old fecal matter that makes you sick. I'm sorry, I didn't make this up.

This Sounds Horrible. How Can I Avoid It?

Proper food handling is the best way to prevent Cyclospora infection. Washing hands frequently, cooking food to the proper tempteture and thoroughly rinsing fruits and veggies is always a great idea.

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Should Lubbock Folks Be Worried?

Historically, Cyclospora tends to have denser outbreaks in central Texas. However, there is no reason it couldn't make it to Lubbock, or that you couldn't catch it during summer travels. That's why proper food handling and hygiene are vital for the prevention of Cyclospora and a whole cornucopia of other food-borne illnesses.

Is Cycospora Treatable?

Absolutely! This parasite is treatable with "sulfa drugs" prescribed by a doctor, although most healthy people will get better without treatment (most of us have had unnamed food poisoning or various sorts before). However, if you start to feel very ill/ dehydrated or have a compromised immune system, you should absolutely seek medical help.