Galveston County health officials are sounding the alarm after confirming 14 cyclosporiasis cases and opening investigations into four additional suspected infections. The culprit is Cyclospora, a parasite known for causing a lingering stomach illness, and local health workers say their investigation is still very much active.
What The County Is Seeing
According to FOX 26 Houston, the county reports that Cyclospora typically spreads through contaminated fresh produce, food or water rather than from person to person. The illness can bring on watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, low-grade fever and nausea, often hitting about a week after someone is exposed.
The spike in Galveston comes during a busy season for the parasite across the country. The CDC reports 4,173 U.S.-acquired cases between May 1 and July 20, with another 7,400 reports still in the pipeline awaiting lab confirmation and further investigation.
How To Cut The Risk
State health leaders say basic kitchen habits still matter: wash hands with soap and water before handling food and after using the restroom, and clean fresh produce, cutting boards, dishes and utensils thoroughly. The Texas Department of State Health Services cautions that even careful washing might not remove all Cyclospora from produce, so there is no way to completely eliminate risk in every case.
Anyone dealing with prolonged diarrhea or similar symptoms is urged to reach out to a medical provider. The Galveston County Health District notes that residents can also contact its epidemiology team through the Galveston County Health District, and says its investigation is ongoing as officials continue looking for additional cases.
