No sooner do you get your kid through flu season and spring allergies, there’s something else scarier out there. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns that a dangerous, unidentified stomach bug is going around. So far, about 275 cases have been reported in in seven states: Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Georgia, Connecticut and New Jersey. The cases happened from mid-June through early July.
The Food and Drug Administration says the problem comes from a strain of the parasite cyclospora, usually found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Health officials say the outbreak may be linked to fruit and vegetables imported from other parts of the world but is also spread by people ingesting feces. It causes flu-like symptoms like diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and nausea. You or your child may also experience vomiting or a low-grade fever.
Want to keep your family safe? Make sure everyone’s washing their hands well or using hand sanitizer when they can’t make it to the restroom. Clean cooking surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after preparing your food.
