STATEWIDE – THE STATE DEPARTMENT of Health is warning New Yorkers of an outbreak of the parasite cyclospora, which can cause severe diarrhea, NBC News reports.
Nearly 400 people statewide have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis, with 273 cases found in the city. The outbreak is nationwide; more than 1,000 cases have been found in Michigan. Health officials are attempting to track sources of the infection, which can spread via contaminated produce, but so far have not tracked it to any one origin.
The illness is rarely life-threatening, and is treated with antibiotics; residents who experience diarrhea lasting longer than a few days should seek medical help. Risks can be minimized by washing produce thoroughly, avoiding pre-cut or bagged fruits and vegetables, and cooking vegetables before eating.
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