Parasite Could be Sickening Buckhead Residents

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Several Buckhead residents have come down with an illness which doctors say may originate from a parasite living on unwashed fruit.

Ashley Gelber learned from her doctor that her ‘month-long stomach flu,’ which featured diarrhea, stomach pain, and fatigue may be an intestinal disease called cystoisosporiasis, which is caused by the parasite Cystoisospora belli. A local doctor tells WSB-TV that the likely source of the parasite is unwashed fruit and not any local water supplies.

The CDC says that cystoisosporiasis is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas, but can show up anywhere on earth. If not treated quickly in people with compromised immune systems, the illness can become severe and/or prolonged. A diagnosis of cystoisosporiasis can only be made through analysis of stool samples, according to the CDC

The CDC says that the treatment for cystoisosporiasis includes fluids, rest, and antibiotics such as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim.

Please consult your physician if you believe you may have cystoisosporiasis.