The State Health Department has reported an outbreak of the food borne disease Cyclospora, with more than 70 cases reported so far this summer, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The Health Department's Chris Van Deusen says the disease has popped up before, and is generally spread by not properly washing imported fruit.
"Its been tied generally to people eating imported produce," he said. "A couple of times in recent years it has been linked to cilantro.
"It is generally caused by the use of manure based fertilizer in produce growing, and the parasites are not completely removed from the food when it is harvested and sold. It has also been linked to pre packaged salad mix, peas, and broccoli.
Van Deusen says symptoms include cramps, loss of appetite, and a particularly vicious type of diarrhea.
It has also been known to spread from person to person in non chlorinated recreational swimming areas.
"It can stop for a while, even for a few weeks, and even come back again," he said. "If it is not treated, it can go off and on for many months."
He says doctors can treat cyclospora infection with antibiotics, so call your doctor if you start experiencing symptoms.
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