Gastro Related Illness on the Rise in Louisiana and Gulf South

Louisiana residents are getting to spend a little more time on their phones these days. No, it's not because of scintillating articles about how a certain state quarter could be worth $10,000 or why their crepe myrtle trees are shedding their bark like snakes in the fall, or even a thief's suggestions on the best places to hide your valuables while you're on vacation this summer.

No, Louisiana residents and thousands of people just like them along the northern Gulf Coast are on their phones a little more because they are on the toilet a lot more. Aww come on, you know you scroll before you reach for the Charmin. And unfortunately, folks in the region are having to reach for more than just additional toilet tissue because of a "nasty bug" that's going around.

The official name of this malady is Cyclosporiasis, it's a gastrointestinal illness that is caused by a microscopic parasite. The symptoms of an infection caused by this parasite include frequent watery and dare I say explosive diarrhea. There are also abdominal cramps, body aches, low-grade fevers, nausea, and vomiting in the mix too. While for some it might seem positive but it's really not, many people who have experienced the parasite lost a significant amount of weight too.

If there can be "good news" associated with an illness that has explosive diarrhea as a symptom it would be that the parasite does not appear to be contagious. The Centers for Disease Control does not believe the illness is spread from person to person.

The most widely accepted theory on how patients contracted the illness is this. It is believed the parasite enters the body when fresh produce grown outside the United States is consumed after being contaminated with Cyclospora. That is why it is so important that you wash all fresh fruits and veggies before you cook or consume them.

If you're wondering how to prevent the problem parasite from becoming a problem in your home, take these steps. Avoid food that may have been contaminated with stool. That should be a no-brainer but since you don't know how the produce got to you, you just never know.

The second suggestion is to make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water after handling any and all fresh produce. You could come in contact with the parasite just by handling products while making your choices in the store or as you are putting your purchases away for storage. So, wash your hands.

Finally, make sure you thoroughly wash all fruits and fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. The running water is important because if you just wash them in a sink or container you could be soaking your produce in a microscopic fecal soup before serving. Yummy, right?

The symptoms of the illness should only last a day or two. However, if you experience symptoms over several days you should contact your healthcare professional for further treatment and guidance.

Oh and wash your phone too. After all, you've been using it while you're in the bathroom and we all know that every time you flush, there's a plume of bad stuff that fills the stall or the cubicle. And, your hands, well your hands have been you know, down there.

Be safe.