As a result of warnings issued by the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the Ministry of Environment, Home Affairs and Agriculture is alerting residents and visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to possibility of infection with the parasite Cyclospora from the consumption of fruits and vegetables originating from the United States.
Cyclospora are single-celled parasites that mostly live in tropical environments which, when ingested can result in gastrointestinal symptoms resulting in diarrhea, fever, flu-like symptoms, weight loss, bloating, fatigue, vomiting and loss of appetite. Hospitalisations may occur from dehydration associated with prolonged diarrhea.
As of August 15, 2013, the CDC was notified that at least 576 persons in 19 states were affected, with 29 of those cases in Florida. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the organism originated from produce imported into the US from Taylor Farms in Mexico.
TCIG’s Plant Health Services Division (PHSD) is warning that this outbreak has the potential to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands due to its close proximity to Florida and the huge trade in fruits and vegetables from the USA to the TCI.
Importers of fresh produce are therefore reminded to exercise due diligence by ensuring that fruits, vegetables and plant products for import into these islands are safe. All such products originating from the US or imported into the US and re-exported MUST be approved and duly inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors prior to export to the TCI.
Consumers of fresh produce are being reminded to carefully and thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with potable water and dry before consumption. Cyclospora is said to be difficult to remove and the CDC reports that the organism may be resistant to chemicals such as bleach and chemicals.
Farmers who import fruits, vegetables with roots, seedlings and other materials for propagation MUST also ensure that they are obtained from areas not known to be contaminated with Cyclospora or any other disease causing organism that can impact our people, plants, animals or environment.
To mitigate the possible impact of the outbreak on the TCI, the Department of Agriculture has introduced strict a Sanitary and Phytosanitary System. This requires that that every importer of plant, fruits and vegetable (Regulated Articles) MUST apply for an Import Permit prior to importing these products. Incoming travellers who transport such items in their carry-on or checked luggage, MUST declare them to the Agriculture Services and/ or Customs Authority for inspection
An Import Permit is issued after Plant Services is satisfied that the items for import pose no risk to the Turks and Caicos Islands and through scientific investigation.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CYCLOSPORA
1. Cyclospora has two life stages: One is an active organism, and the other is a dormant stage called an oocyst. When people swallow the oocyst, they become active in the body, causing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. How does it get into food?
The dormant oocyst is excreted through human stool into the environment, where it can contaminate fruits, vegetables, or water.
Humans are the only hosts for this organism. Farm-workers can get ill in the fields near fruits and vegetables, or if they do not follow proper hygiene measures.
3. What kinds of foods are usually affected?
Outbreaks in the United States are typically associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, according to the Center for Disease Control. Fresh raspberries imported into the US from Guatemala sickened more than 1,000 people in 20 states in 1996.
Other outbreaks have been associated with fresh basil, lettuce, and snow peas.
4. Does cooking or freezing eliminate the risk?
Yes. Commercially canned and frozen fruits and vegetables have never been implicated in an outbreak.
5. What about washing fruits or vegetables?
Washing all fresh fruits and vegetables, including fresh herbs and fruit that you plan to peel is highly recommended. Drying all kinds of fresh produce with a paper towel to wipe away any residue that might still be clinging after a rinse is also recommended.
Cyclospora can be really sticky and hard to wash off fruits and vegetables. The CDC says organism also seems to be resistant to bleach and other chemicals like iodine.
TCIG’s Department of Agriculture is actively working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to obtain all relevant information on the Cyclospora outbreak, including the geographic distribution, incidence rate, and pathogenesis.
