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Infectious disease specialist Alejandro Macías warned through his social media channels that the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, also known as "explosive diarrhea," which is currently affecting 34 states in the United States, could reach Mexico.
The specialist explained what this disease consists of, how it is transmitted, what its symptoms are, and what measures can help prevent it.
¿Qué es la ciclosporiasis?
According to infectious disease specialist Alejandro Macías, cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which causes intense diarrhea.
"It is a parasite that produces very intense, explosive diarrhea—the kind of diarrhea that makes it hard for you to even make it to the bathroom, and then it literally explodes," he explained.
The specialist added that it is not a disease that disappears quickly and that it can even last for several weeks, especially in people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, such as those suffering from cancer or AIDS, so it can represent a significant health problem.
¿Cómo se contagia la ciclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is acquired by consuming food contaminated with the parasite, mainly leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, or cilantro grown with contaminated irrigation water.
Alejandro Macías clarified that the disease is not transmitted from person to person.
"While it occurs due to fecal contamination, the parasite first needs to mature in the environment; it takes approximately one week and then contaminates the irrigation water," he explained.
Síntomas de la ciclosporiasis
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the main symptoms of cyclosporiasis are:
- Diarrea intensa y acuosa.
- Pérdida del apetito.
- Distensión abdominal, incluyendo gases y eructos.
- Fatiga extrema.
- Fiebre leve.
- Cólicos abdominales.
- Náuseas.
- Vómitos.
However, some infected people may not show any symptoms.
¿Cómo prevenir la ciclosporiasis?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these are some measures to prevent cyclosporiasis:
- Cocinar bien las frutas y verduras, a una temperatura mínima de 158 °F (70 °C).
- Lavar cuidadosamente las frutas y verduras antes de consumirlas.
- Lavarse las manos con agua y jabón después de ir al baño.
- Lavarse las manos con agua y jabón antes de preparar o consumir alimentos.
- Limpiar las superficies y los utensilios utilizados para preparar alimentos.
- Evitar consumir agua sin tratar o utilizarla para cocinar.
- No nadar si se tiene diarrea y esperar al menos dos semanas después de que desaparezcan los síntomas antes de volver a hacerlo.
¿Hay casos de ciclosporiasis en México?
Alejandro Macías stated that he has seen some cases of cyclosporiasis in Mexico. However, he clarified that this does not mean there is a national outbreak, like the one currently being recorded in the United States.
The infectious disease specialist urged the population to stay alert, as the diagnosis requires specific tests and appropriate treatment. He explained that if a person has explosive diarrhea, it is important to inform their doctor so they can ask the laboratory to look for the parasite.
"I don't want to imply that a national outbreak is happening as well. It is likely that we will eventually have one, and we must be vigilant. Generally, the laboratory will not find it if they are not warned. You have to tell the doctor so they can tell the laboratory to look for it, because the diagnosis must lead to good treatment. You shouldn't panic, but you must understand that cases can eventually reach Mexico and other places in Latin America," he explained.
[Publicidad]