CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A lot of people are avoiding certain produce because of a parasite that causes explosive diarrhea. There are more than 200 cases of Cyclosporiasis in North Carolina and 18 of them are in Mecklenburg County. “It is a condition that we typically see between May and September. I’m not saying that people shouldn’t be worried about it, but I don’t think they should be overly alarmed,” Joy Smith, Communicable Disease Director at Mecklenburg County Health Department said. Health officials are still looking for the origin of the outbreak but in the past the cyclospora parasite has been linked to produce like berries, greens, and herbs watered by irrigation systems tainted with poop. “What happens is irrigation systems can be contaminated. So when these things are growing and they’re being washed off, the water systems could contaminate them,” Smith said. “There is some suggestion that maybe buying local where there are some water systems in place that where there may be less concern.” Health officials say vigorously scrubbing produce can decrease the risk of contracting the parasite. They also say cooking the produce will reduce the risk. “If you’re the person that’s preparing these meals, we want to make sure that you’re washing your hands very thoroughly. And then as far as the fruits and vegetables, it’s good to make sure that you are washing those, not just a quick wash, but scrubbing them, and it’s even better if you can cook them before consuming them,” Smith said. Health officials say you should also avoid getting pool water in your mouth to decrease your chance of contracting the parasite. It could take anywhere between 2 and 14 days for the symptoms to appear. Symptoms include diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating including burping and farting, extreme tiredness (fatigue), low-grade fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.   ...read more read less