What Older Adults and Caregivers Should Know About the “Explosive Diarrhea” Parasite
- Elder Love USA
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Recent headlines have warned about an outbreak involving an “explosive diarrhea parasite.”
The illness is called cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Cases of cyclosporiasis typically increase during the spring and summer.
People of any age can become infected. However, caregivers and older adults should be particularly aware of the risks associated with persistent diarrhea.
Why Cyclosporiasis Can Be Dangerous for Older Adults
Cyclosporiasis can affect people of any age, but older adults may face a greater risk of serious complications because persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Dehydration can be especially dangerous for older adults who are already managing chronic health conditions or taking medications that increase water loss.
In severe cases, dehydration can cause confusion, a rapid heartbeat, kidney problems and other life-threatening complications. The CDC also notes that the illness may be more severe or last longer in people with weakened immune systems or poor overall health. Adults age 65 and older are also more likely to become seriously ill from certain germs spread through food.
When To Seek Help
Caregivers should contact a health care provider if: • if the Diarrhea lasts more than one day without improvement
• when they have more than 6 to 8 episodes a day • if there is blood or pus in the stool
• if their stools that are black and tarry • if fever 100.5 or higher develops • if the older adult has severe abdominal pain
Seek medical help sooner if you notice dizziness, confusion, decreased urination, a rapid heartbeat, or signs of significant weakness.
When it comes to dehydration, the common signs include dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, dizziness, darker urine, and urinating less often. More serious symptoms can include confusion, rapid breathing, sunken eyes, fainting, or shock.
Because older adults can become dehydrated more quickly, caregivers may want to contact the person’s healthcare provider sooner, especially when the individual is frail, has chronic health conditions or takes medications that affect fluid levels.
How To Prevent Cyclosporiasis
Following safe food-handling practices can help reduce the risk of infection.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables
Cooking produce can kill the parasite. Heating food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit can destroy Cyclospora
Thoroughly wash all of their fresh produce before eating, cutting, or cooking, including herbs, though the parasites are not easy to rinse off
Use a clean produce brush to scrub firm fruits and vegetables such as melons and cucumbers
Cut away bruised or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables before preparing or eating them
Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
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