Parasitic Illness In Region

Over 80 cases of a food-borne parasitic illness have been reported in Maryland and West Virginia, with 47 cases reported in the Mountain State since mid-June. Cyclospora is an intestinal illness caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Prolonged symptoms include severe stomach upset and in some cases dehydration. Dr. Eric Asher, a family medical physician, says precautions may cut chances of contacting the illness…

“Make sure that after you use the bathroom, you’re doing a really good job of washing your hands and you’re doing a really, really good job at scrubbing all of your produce. Especially produce like strawberries and berries, spinach, kale, things that have nooks and crannies.  After you chop up your produce, put it right in the fridge right away.”