(File Photo of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection, in 31 states, including Pennsylvania.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. The illness can come from eating unwashed produce and cause watery diarrhea, fatigue, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting.

According to the Allegheny County Health Department, people can prevent cyclospora by washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and cutting away any damaged or bruised areas.

You should also refrigerate both fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, and cook your food whenever it is possible to do so, because heating food to 158 degrees or more kills cyclospora.

You need to wash your hands with soap and warm water, as well as wash and sanitize dishes, countertops, cutting boards and utensils when you’re done handling produce.