Cyclosporiasis

A multi-state outbreak of diarrhea due to cyclosporiasis has been in the news lately. At this time, iceberg lettuce from one supplier is suspected to be the source of this microscopic parasite.

A specific stool exam by microscopy can diagnose cyclosporiasis, and there is a specific effective drug treatment for it. Since there are numerous other possible causes of diarrhea, mindless prescriptions for broad-spectrum antibiotics are generally a bad idea and can do more harm than good. A good doctor will take the trouble to understand the problem first.

Because of various gastrointestinal pathogens in the world, it is safest never to buy pre-cut fruit or pre-bagged greens. With store-bought lettuce generally, it is safest to strip off and discard the outer leaves, then always wash the others individually under a strong water spray before eating.