Source of Buckhead Parasite Infection Discovered

Federal health officials have discovered the source of the parasite which sickened over 100 Atlanta and metro Atlanta residents, including several people in Buckhead.

Mexican cilantro offered in some area restaurants was found to be contaminated by human waste, providing a home for the cyclospora parasite. The outbreak of the parasitic infection isn’t limited to Georgia; some 380 people in 26 states have reportedly fallen ill due to tainted cilantro from Mexico’s Puebla state, Al Jazeera America reports.

Similar outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, were traced to Puebla state in 2012, 13, and 14. The FDA instituted a partial ban on the import of cilantro from Puebla state on July 27, Al Jazeera America says.

The CDC says that cyclosporiasis is marked by watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.

Although it sounds like a serious illness, doctors told 11 Alive News that cyclosporiasis isn’t life-threatening. Still, anyone who feels they may have contracted the parasite is urged to visit a doctor for a professional diagnosis and course of treatment.

According to the CDC, the treatment for cyclosporiasis includes fluids, rest, and antibiotics such as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim.