Austin Public Health officials warned the community Thursday about an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness that stems from ingesting food or water contaminated by feces.
"While APH has not yet identified a single source of the local outbreak, previous outbreaks have been linked to a variety of fresh fruits or vegetables, including raspberries, cilantro, basil, and green onions," officials said in a written statement.
Janet Pichette, chief epidemiologist at Austin Public Health, said ways to prevent cyclosporiasis are similar to avoiding other food-related illnesses.
"Thoroughly wash fresh produce, wash your hands after handling fruits and vegetables, and separate produce from raw meat and seafood," Pichette said in the statement from Austin Public Health.