(TERRE HAUTE)- A microscopic parasite that doctors say is as common this time of year is once again making Americans sick.
CDC cited 285 illness cases known as cyclosporiasis, nationwide, caused by the parasite cyclospora, a living single-cell organism transmitted almost entirely by produce; specifically, fruits and vegetables shipped from overseas.
Dr. Darren Brucken says hot water, soaps, chlorine or chlorinated water does not kill the organism.
Brucken emphasized the importance of carefully inspecting the at-risk fruits and veggies prior to consumption, and the crucial need to rid of the surface-dwelling organism before it reaches a person's digestive tract and eventually could cause an unpleasant, painful intestinal infection.
Brucken advised folks to wash fresh produce in a commercially made fruit-and-veggie wash, one brand name he has success with is Fit.
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