Tips to stay safe amid rising cases of stomach parasite cyclospora

NEW YORK -- There is a warning about a surge in cases of a stomach parasite linked to produce, as the CDC is monitoring cases in at least 18 states.

Experts say the parasite, called cyclospora, tends to contaminate raw fruit and vegetables every summer, causing people across several states to have long-lasting bouts of illness.

Dr. Amesh Adalja, with the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, described the symptoms of cyclosporiasis.

"They invade the intestine, causing diarrhea, which can be watery, cause abdominal cramps, and may last for several weeks," Adalja said.

Adalja says eating produce exposed to contaminated water can allow the parasite to enter the body.

The biggest outbreak by far is in Michigan, where the health department says cases are nearing 1,000.

"For this particular outbreak, they haven't found the common source yet, there may be more than one source," Adalja said.

Adalja said washing produce won't eliminate the threat but can reduce the risk.

Before eating, cutting or cooking fruits and vegetables, wash them throughout under running water.

Scrub firm fruits and veggies, like melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush and cut away damaged or bruised areas on produce before preparing and eating.

Cooking the produce can also lower the risk. And make sure any cut, peeled or cooked produce is refrigerated within two hours.

"The best thing you can do is be judicious about where you're getting your produce from, washing it as best you can, and then being on the alert for any symptoms that occur," Adalja said.

Experts say if you have diarrhea for more than a few days or if you get dehydrated to see a doctor.

The treatment is a course of antibiotics that can help bring relief and eradicate the parasite from the body.