Confirmed cyclosporiasis infections have been reported in Denton, Tarrant and Collin counties, according to NBC 5. The approved reporting does not provide exact totals for the three counties or identify a shared food source.
NBC 5 reported the local infections as Texas cases increased. A Texas Department of State Health Services advisory provides guidance on symptoms, transmission and precautions.
Symptoms and transmission
DSHS says cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness. Symptoms commonly begin two to 14 days after a person consumes contaminated food or water, and watery diarrhea may continue for weeks or return.
The agency says Cyclospora is transmitted primarily through raw or undercooked food and does not appear to spread directly from person to person.
Precautions and their limits
DSHS recommends washing hands, produce and food-preparation surfaces. The agency cautions, however, that washing produce may not remove all risk.
Routine sanitizers are also unlikely to kill the parasite, according to DSHS. The state guidance therefore does not treat washing or routine sanitizer use as a guarantee against infection.