Texas Summer Foods Linked to National Diarrhea Outbreak

AUSTIN, TX - Texas is seeing dozens of cases in a national Cyclospora outbreak tied to some of the state’s most popular summer produce. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports up to 30 cases in Texas as part of 145 total cases nationwide as of mid-June. New York leads with 31–80 cases, while Texas and Illinois each have 11–30. The outbreak has caused 20 hospitalizations but no deaths so far. 

Cyclospora triggers unpleasant and sometimes prolonged symptoms, including watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, excess gas, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss, according to the FDA. The illness can last for weeks or months without proper treatment. 

Health authorities have connected past Cyclospora outbreaks to several raw foods commonly eaten in Texas, such as salad mixes, cilantro, basil, snow peas, raspberries, blackberries and other berries, and spinach and leafy greens. These items are frequently consumed without cooking, which increases the risk. 

Thorough washing does not fully protect against the parasite. The CDC says Cyclospora is usually spread through contaminated food or water and has often been linked to imported produce or travel. Investigators have not yet identified the source of the current outbreak. 

Antibiotics are the main treatment. Cases have been reported in people ranging from 17 to 89 years old. Officials continue to investigate possible sources. 

Previous outbreaks include one in 2019 linked to imported berries and herbs from Mexico, and a 2018 incident involving contaminated McDonald’s salads that sickened about 400 people.