Nasty Intestinal Parasite Confirmed in Louisiana: What Shreveport Residents Need to Know

That scary stomach bug making headlines across the country has officially made its way to Louisiana, and it’s time to start paying closer attention to what’s on our plates.

According to national reports from PBS, a parasitic intestinal disease is currently making life absolutely miserable for people in 31 different states. While the U.S. deals with small outbreaks of this illness every now and then, the case numbers this summer are way higher than normal, raising some serious red flags for health officials.

Now, the threat is right here in our backyard. The LSU AgCenter recently took to Facebook to warn Louisiana residents and take a deeper dive into what exactly we are dealing with. The Louisiana Department of Health has already officially confirmed local cases of the illness, which is technically called cyclosporiasis, a fancy name for a nasty infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis.

Here in Shreveport, we love our food, but this parasite is commonly linked to fresh, contaminated produce. We're talking about everyday staples: leafy greens, fresh herbs, berries, and other fruits and vegetables. The real kicker? Symptoms usually don't show up until about a week after you eat the contaminated food.

According to the experts, here is what you need to look out for:

Severe, watery diarrhea

Stomach cramps and painful bloating

Extreme fatigue and nausea

Loss of appetite (and sudden weight loss)

A low-grade fever

While there isn’t a single magic step to completely eliminate the risk, our local food safety experts at the LSU AgCenter say we can drastically lower our chances of getting sick by stepping up our kitchen game.

First things first: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before you touch any food. When you bring produce home, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under cold running water before you cut, cook, or eat them.

If you're dealing with firm produce, like melons or cucumbers, grab a clean produce brush and give them a good scrub. Always cut away any damaged or bruised portions before eating, and make sure you keep your fresh fruits separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.

Finally, keep those kitchen counters, cutting boards, and knives sanitized, and make sure any pre-cut or cooked fruits get into the fridge within two hours.

Most importantly, if you or your family start experiencing persistent diarrhea or dehydration that just won't quit, skip the Google search and contact your healthcare provider. A specific laboratory test is required to diagnose this thing, so don't wait it out if you feel terrible. Stay safe out there, Shreveport!