Health departments for Houston, Harris County report 34 cases of cyclosporiasis – Houston Public Media

Health departments for Houston, Harris County report 34 cases of cyclosporiasis  Houston Public Media

The intestinal illness linked to unwashed raw produce, which can cause "explosive" bowel movements, is usually not life-threatening, according to the CDC. The intestinal illness linked to unwashed raw produce, which can cause “explosive” bowel movements, is usually not life-threatening, according to the CDC. The health departments for the city of Houston and surrounding Harris County have reported a total of 34 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis — an intestinal illness linked to unwashed raw produce. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cyclosporiasis is caused by the ingestion of cyclospora, which is a parasite that can sometimes be found on raw, unwashed produce. It is usually not life-threatening but can cause “explosive” bowel movements, according to the CDC.

The CDC has reported at least 145 cases nationwide. No deaths have been reported. According to Harris County Public Health (HCPH), the 18 cases in the county represent the total number reported since the beginning of the year. "This number is higher than usual for this time of year," a HCPH spokesperson said in a statement. "In Texas, cases of cyclosporiasis typically increase seasonally from April to August, with symptoms usually appearing within two to 14 days after exposure." RELATED: CDC warns of intestinal illness linked to unwashed raw produce in Texas The Houston Health Department reported 16 cases