Intestinal Infection is Spreading in Area

1. Lebardi, Manuella. (2013, September 6). Intestinal infection is spreading in area. Houston Chronicle, A1 / A10.
2. Category of problem: Public Health
3. Level of problem: State level
4. The article concerns: The cyclospora infection has affected more than 300 Texans in recent months.
5. Why is this important to families / individuals OR how does it affect individuals / families?
1. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite rare to the United States that infects the small intestine of an individual causing symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. It has been linked to various, tainted produce like lettuce in the past.
6. What are your views on the issue / policy?
1. It rarely crosses my mind that the food I eat at home or at a restaurant may be contaminated with something like the cyclospora parasite.  People living in the United States expect the food they are consuming is safe, but precautions should be taken especially when many of the foods we are come from locations outside the US.  My dad was recently hit with this 'bug', and it took him a good three days to get over the infection.  Clearly, it can affect family health, but, also, family economics.  If a person comes down with the sickness, it can cause the hardship of missing work, and, possibly, not being paid for that time off.  Additionally, if the problem is more serious, the possibility of going to a doctor or hospital can cause more financial pain with out-of-pocket medical expenses.  The article does not mention the parasite causing death, but does comment on the symptom of dehydration, which in itself can lead to more serious health problems including death.  Probably the best way to avoid being afflicted with cyclosporiasis is to avoid suspected carriers of the parasite, like lettuce or spinach, or to thoroughly wash all vegetables and fruit after purchased.  Additionally, if a person is eating in a restaurant, be cautious of the food they order in raw form.