The Denton County Health Department on Monday confirmed two additional cases of cyclosporiasis, the food-borne illness spreading through North Texas, bringing the number to seven.
Tarrant and Dallas counties have also reported more than 10 cases each. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, gas, nausea and vomiting, lasting anywhere from three days to a couple of months.
The disease is caused by the parasite cyclospora cayetanensis, which contaminates food, particularly fruits and vegetables. Consequently, the department encourages a thorough washing of produce prior to consumption in order to remove traces of fecal matter from which the parasites spring.
Health officials have been unable to determine the source of this outbreak.
— George Joseph
