It is important to thoroughly rinse your fruits and vegetables several times

It is important to thoroughly rinse your fruits and vegetables several times

It is important to thoroughly rinse your fruits and vegetables several times

Forty-eight new installments of an intestinal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with feces have already been reported in Texas last week alone, officials said Thursday.

Most reports range from Dallas/Fort Worth area. The origin of the illness is unknown.

Before, imported fresh produce resulted in outbreaks of Cyclospora infection in the United States. The Texas Department of State Health Services has not confirmed perhaps the latest reports are produced-related.

"DCHHS is continuing to look into the potential food sources of contamination and who may have been exposed to them," Zachary Thompson, the department's director said in a statement.

The outbreak could possibly be in connection with Cyclospora reports in Iowa and Nebraska, in line with the department's website article.

On Tuesday, officials issued a fitness advisory warning residents of the infection.

In 2012, 44 cases of the infection were reported in Texas. Another 14 cases were reported the year before.

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, appetite loss and nausea.

Chlamydia isn't highly contagious given it must pass in pooping before it could spread to others, according to the CDC and Prevention.

People in tropical regions are at an increased risk of getting the issue.

Drugs are available for those who contract the issue. Individuals with weaker immunity processes may need longer treatment options.

"To diminish the chance of eating fresh produce you should thoroughly rinse your vegetables and fruit more than once," said Dr. Christopher Perkins, the Texas department's medical director said within a statement.