Welcome to Westport Health Notes, a monthly column from the Westport Board of Health (BOH).

Although summer is already more than half over, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors and summertime treats. It is also wise to take preventative steps to avoid some of the big health concerns that have been in the news.

Westport is definitely a hotspot for tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis and now also alpha gal syndrome — the new kid on the block. The Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) is offering “Tick Talk” with a tick expert on Thursday, August 13 at 6 p.m. Sign up info is at dnrt.org/event/tick-talk/. There is also good information on the board of health website at www.westport-ma.com/departments/health/index.php.

Another recent headline grabber has been the national outbreak of cyclosporiasis — caused by cyclospora, which is a tiny parasite that can cause illness with ‘explosive’ diarrhea and dehydration. According to the Mass. Dept of Public Health, other symptoms can include weight loss, bloating, gas, cramps, nausea, vomiting, being tired, sore muscles, fever, and not feeling hungry. For most people, the diarrhea will last for about a few days, but if not treated, some people can be sick for several weeks.

The parasite is spread when people eat food or water that has come into contact with infected feces (stool). Cyclospora infection probably does not spread directly from person to person. Shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico has been implicated and there may be other potential sources, including fresh herbs. Past outbreaks have also been associated with salad greens, raspberries, green onions and snow peas.

The Center for Disease Control has identified in 15 states in the outbreak so far. Massachusetts has seen an increase in the number of seasonal cases of cyclospora illness that’s higher than usual, but it is not considered an outbreak and the season has likely peaked.

To reduce risk of any food-borne illness, wash hands with soap and warm water when handling fruits and vegetables. Wash or rinse all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush. Cooking also eliminates cyclospora. You may also want to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local sources, at farm stands and farmers’ markets nearby.

If you have other questions you’d like answered or suggestions for future topics, please email the BOH at health@westport-ma.gov.

Note: Author Tanja Ryden is a member of the Westport Board of Health.