Cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S.: Everything you need to know about symptoms, transmission, treatment and prevention
U.S. health officials are investigating an increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, a stomach disease caused by a parasite. The disease is caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora caytanensis, according to the CDC. disease control and prevention. The parasite is spread primarily through contaminated food and water.
The infection usually spreads when food or water is contaminated with human feces. This disease cannot be spread from one person to another. Health officials say the illness is usually not life-threatening.
In the United States, cyclosporiasis is most common during the summer. The CDC considers cyclosporiasis season to be from May 1 to August 31 each year. Several U.S. states are reporting more cases than usual this year, leading officials to investigate the cause, according to Axios.
current outbreak
At least 50 cases were reported in Florida between May 1 and July 4. Six of the cases are in the Tampa Bay area, according to the Florida Department of Health. Hillsborough and Polk counties each reported two cases, and Pasco and Pinellas counties each reported one case. Tennessee has also seen a sharp increase in infections.
As of last week, about 30 cases had been confirmed in the state. Compared to this year, Tennessee reported just one Cyclosporiasis cases As of May 30th. State records show that from 2013 to 2016, the state reported only one case each year. Since then, the number of cases has continued to increase, reaching double digits almost every year. Tennessee reported 71 cases in 2023.
The CDC said that between May 1 and July 9, at least 843 cases were reported in 31 states in the United States. Previous CDC data showed that 145 cases were reported in 17 states between May 1 and June 16.
However, some state health departments are reporting more cases than the CDC’s national tally. It is estimated that there may be about 3,000 cases across the United States. Michigan alone reported more than 1,500 cases last week, according to Axios.
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What caused the outbreak?
Health officials have not determined the exact cause of the increase in cases. It is unclear whether there are several separate outbreaks or one larger outbreak. The CDC said there is no evidence that all reported cases are linked to a single nationwide outbreak. The agency said the investigation is continuing to identify the source of the infection.
Officials are also investigating whether imported fruit or vegetables may have been involved. Dr. David Friedman, professor emeritus of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said no single food or source has been identified, but something unusual is happening, Axios reported.
How do people get infected?
Most of the recent cases in the United States have been linked to the consumption of contaminated fresh produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables can become contaminated before they reach consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says a variety of foods have been linked to outbreaks since the 1990s.
These foods include raspberries. Basil has also been linked to previous outbreaks. Salad mixes have been linked to infections in the past. Cilantro has also caused outbreaks. Berries and mixed fruit products have also been linked to infection. Lettuce has been identified as another possible source. Peas have also been linked to early outbreaks.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis
Symptoms may appear several days to two weeks after infection. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea. Some patients develop severe or “explosive” diarrhea. Diarrhea may stop for a while and then return. If left untreated, symptoms can last for days, weeks or even more than a month, the CDC says.
Loss of appetite is another common symptom. Patients may lose weight during the illness. Stomach cramps are also common. People may experience bloating. gas is another possible symptom. Some patients experience nausea.
Many people also feel tired or fatigued. Less common symptoms include vomiting. Some patients experience body pain. Headaches may also occur. Some people may develop a fever. Flu-like symptoms have also been reported in some cases.
treat
Many patients recover without any treatment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some patients require antibiotics to treat the infection.
How to reduce risk
Experts recommend washing all fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or cooking. Axios cites experts who say hard fruits and vegetables like cucumbers and watermelons should be scrubbed with a clean brush. Bruised or damaged parts of fruits and vegetables should be cut off before eating.
Latest news
As a precautionary measure, some Taco Bell restaurants have temporarily stopped serving lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and cilantro during the outbreak, according to Axios. Health officials are continuing to investigate the outbreak and have not confirmed which food is responsible for all reported cases.
