Cyclospora hits Austin

The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department is currently investigating an outbreak of cyclospora, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. According to a press release distributed yesterday, “(T)he department has 15 confirmed and probable cases and 11 new cases that are currently under investigation. Within the past week, 42 cases of Cyclospora infection have been reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services.” Also according to the press release, the infection is spread by people ingesting something that was contaminated with feces and is not frequently contagious. More information about cyclospora can be found on the CDC website, and health officials urge those who think they might be infected to see their health care providers.