Preventing Cyclosporiasis on the Eastern Shore

(PRINCESS ANNE, Md) – Cyclosporiasis has been making waves nationally, and some on the Eastern Shore are encouraging people to get out in front of things when picking up produce.

In the latest report from the Center for Disease Control and the state Health Department , Maryland has recorded 28 of those 30 cases of this disease in just the last couple of months…

And at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s research farm, learned of how the Cyclospora parasite manages to make its way into the body.

“When it leaves the human body, it’s present in a developmental stage known as an oocyst. And that oocyst has a really thick cell wall that protects it from a lot of chemical disinfectants,” says UMES Extension food Safety Specialist, Andrea Gilbert-Eckman.

We met with the Dorchester County Health Department about the impact Cyclosporiasis can have in people…

And it’s not pleasant.

Dorchester County Health officer, Dr. Casey Scott tells WMDT, “It can make you feel like you have the flu, can make you feel really run down. Lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting. And so the biggest really health risk from all of that is significant dehydration. It’s hard to want to replenish your body with fluids when you feel ill.”

Thankfully, combating Cyclosporiasis is easy. Requiring simple steps.

“People who purchase fresh produce should wash their fruits and vegetables in potable water. This won’t completely eliminate Cyclospora, but it can remove some of the juices. And if they’re already present, it’s a it reduces the dose,” says Andrea with UMES.

While Dr. Scott says, “You also want to make sure that you’re washing your prep surface as well. And your utensils, knives, countertops with hot soapy water.”