Health

Basil source of Cyclospora infection

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 27, 2005

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

The Florida Health Dept. is investigating an increased number of cases of cyclosporiasis, caused by a single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine. Fresh basil is the suspected cause of the outbreak.

In early June, health officials notified physicians across Florida to consider cyclosporiasis in patients who have intermittent or persistent diarrhea. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, substantial weight loss, bloating, increased gas, nausea and vomiting.

During the past 15 years, about 5,000 cases of Cyclospora infection were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. None of the cases was known to be fatal.

Cyclospora is often linked to various types of fresh produce and officials recommend that people wash all fresh fruits and vegetables, even though washing alone may not prevent the disease. Cyclosporiasis is easily treated with antibiotics.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/06/27/hlbf0627.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn