How to avoid the “explosive diarrhea” causing parasite known as cyclospora

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The diarrhea-causing parasite known as cyclospora continues to make its rounds throughout several states in the U.S.

While there are only 23 confirmed cases here in South Carolina, local doctors say there are ways to avoid catching it altogether.

Dr. Helmut Albrecht over Infectious Diseases with Prisma Health says cyclospora is for the most part, a summertime illness.

“It exists in the environment as spores. In order to become infectious, it needs to crack open these spores and release the parasite and that requires a certain temperature,” says Albrecht.

He says he wouldn’t consider cyclosporiasis dangerous, rather — extremely unpleasant.

“People report explosive diarrhea for weeks and this is as unpleasant as it sounds,” he says.

The parasite is not contagious, and you may have it for a week before you notice symptoms. Should you visit a doctor, they may prescribe a 7-10 day antibiotic.

The main issue to worry about is dehydration.

Dr. Albrecht says if you catch it, hydrate by drinking plenty of water, sports drinks, or Pedialyte.

“A simple test is, if your urine is dark, you’re not hydrating enough,” he says.

And avoid antidiarrheal products like Imodium.

“Don’t stop the body from getting rid of how it knows to get rid of these which is flushing them out,” he says.

Dietician Chelsea Bruce says the most important thing a consumer can do is track the outbreak on the FDA’s website and avoid those items for now.

She says buying produce whole and preparing it yourself is considered a safer option than buying foods that are pre-bagged.

Always wash your hands before handling any foods.

Thoroughly wash all produce and remove and discard the outer leaves of say, cabbage, or lettuce.

Bruce also says cooking any foods to at least 158 degrees will kill cyclospora.

Both Bruce and Albrecht agree that folks should not be afraid of fruits and veggies —

“It’s very important that during this time you continue to eat fruits and vegetables. The benefits are there, and so this is not a reason to completely avoid all fresh produce as long as you are taking the proper steps to make sure they are cleaned properly and handled properly,” says Bruce.