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How To Prevent Cyclospora Food Poisoning

The Cyclospora parasite spreads through the fecal-oral route. The most effective way to prevent prevent Cyclospora food poisoning is to avoid eating food or drinking water that may be contaminated. Unfortunately, normal sanitation methods used are not very effective, and the parasite is remarkably hardy once it attaches itself to food (especially fresh produce).

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Texas trial lawyers with The Schmidt Firm, PLLC are currently accepting Cyclospora and/or Cyclosporiasis lawsuits throughout the entire state of Texas.

If you or somebody you know was sickened after eating at Olive Garden or Red Lobster, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Who Gets Cyclosporiasis?

Infection with the Cyclospora parasite, also known as cyclosporiasis, can affect anyone. However, is most common in travelers to tropical and sub-tropical countries. The first cases were identified in the 1970s in travelers to South America. Since the mid-1990s, outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce from Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico, including raspberries, snow peas, basil, and lettuce.

How to Prevent Cyclospora Food Poisoning

The best way to prevent food poisoning is to avoid foods or water that could be contaminated with feces. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for cyclosporiasis, and standard sanitization methods are not very effective. Treating water with chlorine and iodine does not kill the parasite.

The American Society for Microbiology published a review of cyclosporiasis in January 2010, and experts warned: “[Cyclospora] is highly resistant to disinfectants commonly used in the food industry.” The parasite is also very good at sticking to fresh produce, especially raspberries.

Steps to Take to Prevent Cyclospora Infection

  • Avoid food that could be contaminated with feces. The traditional advice for travelers is: “Boil it, peel it, cook it, or forget it.”
  • Wash your hands. This is especially important after going to the bathroom, changing a diaper, touching soil, or handling animal waste. Always wash your hands before handling or preparing food.
  • Avoid water that could be contaminated with feces. Contaminated water may be turned into ice cubes or used to wash salads, plates, utensils, and more.

How Does Cyclospora Spread?

Cyclospora does not spread directly from person-to-person, and it is not very contagious. When the parasite infects a person, it sheds non-infectious immature parasites called oocysts, which are excreted in the person’s diarrhea. The oocysts must spend some time in the environment (days or weeks) before they become highly-infectious sporulated oocysts. Cyclosporiasis occurs when people ingest sporulated oocysts, which infect their bowel and repeat the cycle.

Resources & Additional Info

Do I have a Texas Cyclospora Lawsuit?

The Texas trial lawyers with The Schmidt Firm, PLLC are currently accepting Cyclospora and/or Cyclosporiasis lawsuits throughout the entire state of Texas. If you or somebody you know was sickened with food poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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