Thousands of people across the country USA contracted cyclosporiasis, an intestinal disease caused by the parasite Cyclospora, and health officials are still investigating the source of the outbreak.
Nearly 3,000 cases reported in 32 states
according to abc newsNearly three dozen states are now reporting cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by a parasite.
As of Friday, 32 states had reported at least 2,944 cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments.
According to the CDC, the true number of people who have cyclosporiasis is likely higher than reported because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for the parasite.
Symptoms and how parasites are spread
Parasites are usually spread through food or water contaminated with feces. The most common symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC.
Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or bloating. according to fox weatherThe disease also often causes stomach cramps or pain, bloating, and gas.
The time between becoming infected and developing symptoms is usually about a week, but can range from two days to two weeks.
according to NPRthe ages of those affected range from 5 to 88 years old.
The CDC says outbreaks of foodborne cyclosporiasis have been linked to a variety of imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, lettuce and cilantro.
The cause of the current outbreak is unknown, and the CDC says it is continuing to work to identify the source of the recent surge in cyclosporiasis infections.
Treatment and Prevention
According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis can be treated with the oral antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly sold under the names Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim, taken for 10 days.
According to Fox Weather’s food safety guidelines, people should avoid pre-cut salads or greens and instead opt for whole heads of lettuce or whole herbs.
People should also remove and discard the outer two to three leaves of leafy greens before preparing or eating them, and rinse fresh berries, cilantro and basil thoroughly under pressurized, clean tap water, as simply soaking in a bowl will not remove parasites.
Michigan reports highest number of infections
according to michigan Michigan currently has the most reported cases, with 1,562 as of Friday, and at least 44 people in the state are hospitalized, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
That number is 31 times higher than the roughly 50 cases in Michigan each year, according to the health department.
New York The state has reported 470 cases since May 1, followed by Ohio with 364 cases, ABC News reported, citing state health officials. Illinois and Florida have also reported more than 100 cases each.
california Between one and 10 cases have been reported, according to state data.
