The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning of the spread of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that can cause “explosive diarrhea.” The CDC has reported no less than 403 cases of the parasitic infection across 18 U.S. states, dating back to May 1.
According to a report by Healthline, the exact cause of the current spread of cyclosporiasis is unknown, but the parasitic infection typically spreads through contaminated food or water. The FDA is working with the CDC to identify the exact source of the parasitic infection’s spread.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite cyclospora, and symptoms of related infections typically begin within one week of exposure to the parasite. Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever.
The cyclospora parasite often spreads through raw produce and water contaminated with feces.
Previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to fresh fruit and vegetables. Health officials recommend cooking fresh produce where possible to reduce the risk of illness, or thoroughly washing it in clean, running water, The Guardian reported.
The CDC routinely tracks cyclosporiasis, and cases often increase during spring and summer months.
The CDC reported 20 related hospitalizations between May 1 and June 16. However, a recent cluster of cases has been noted in Michigan. A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) told Healthline that, as of July 2, the state had identified 300 cases – roughly six times the amount of cyclosporiasis cases that the state sees most years.
By Monday, the number of parasitic infections in Michigan had risen to nearly 700, according to multiple reports. The source of the spread in Michigan has yet to be identified.
Which States Have Been Hit by Parasitic Infection?
The states affected by the recent spread of cyclosporiasis include (but are almost certainly not limited to):
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Individuals who reported being sickened with the infection ranged in age from 5 to 86 years old, with an average age of 42. Those who were found to be afflicted with cyclosporiasis became ill after eating food in the U.S. according to Healthline; those sickened didn’t report any travel in the two weeks preceding the onset of symptoms.
The CDC said there have been no deaths linked to the recent spread of the parasitic infection. The CDC added in a bulletin that many of those sickened by cyclosporiasis recover without seeking medical care.
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