Health officials in Texas are reporting an increase in cases of a parasite-linked illness, with doctors advising vigilance regarding symptoms. Dr. Laura Romano, a pediatric hospitalist at Cook Children's, stated that diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours could indicate cyclospora infection, which typically does not resolve quickly.
Parents are urged to monitor their children for signs of dehydration, which may include a lack of wet diapers and sunken eyes or soft spots on infants. If these symptoms persist, contacting a pediatrician is recommended.
To reduce the risk of exposure to the parasite, health experts suggest practicing good hand hygiene, thoroughly washing produce, and cooking fruits and vegetables when appropriate. They also recommend opting for fruits and vegetables that can be peeled, such as bananas and apples, after washing them well with soap and running water.
The FDA had previously linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, but later clarified that the test results indicating this connection were a false positive. The agency is continuing its investigation into the actual source of the outbreak.
