Sixty-eight Texans have come down with a parasitic infection leading to explosive diarrhea, hospitalizing 15 with nine cases in Dallas County. Contaminated vegetables are believed responsible for the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Dallas County Health and Human Services is investigating the cases as part of a broader national surge in the illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. The infection typically spreads through produce contaminated with fecal matter, often during summer months when fresh fruits and vegetables are widely consumed. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite, which can last for weeks if untreated. Antibiotics are effective for most patients, but severe cases may require hospitalization for dehydration.
Health officials advise thorough washing of produce, though the parasite’s tough outer shell makes it resistant to simple rinsing. Cooking fruits and vegetables to an internal temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills the organism. No fatalities have been reported in Texas from this outbreak.
The cases come amid rising national numbers, with the CDC tracking hundreds of infections across multiple states. Dallas County officials are working with the Texas Department of State Health Services and federal partners to trace the source, though no specific product recall has been issued yet. Residents are encouraged to practice food safety and seek medical care if symptoms appear…