RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A concerning intestinal illness has been making its rounds in more than a dozen states, including North Carolina.
It’s linked to a parasite called “Cyclospora,” found in food and water. It causes the illness cyclosporiasis.
North Carolina among states linked to ‘explosive’ diarrhea parasite
“It happens when you accidentally swallow the parasite and there’s a seasonal pattern associated with it. So, a lot of us in the summertime are eating more fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Candice Christian, NC State Extension Associate with Food Safety.
Christian told CBS 17 that the parasite can be linked to produce like basil, cilantro, parsley, raspberries, and romaine lettuce, to name a few. “The best defense that you can do at home is to scrub any firm produce. So, if you’ve got melons or cucumbers, you want to scrub those with a vegetable brush, not just rinsing like we usually do.”…