Cyclosporiasis: What we know so far about its causes, symptoms and prevention as it spreads across 31 US states
Michigan health officials said the outbreak led to 44 people being hospitalized and no deaths were reported. The nationwide outbreak began on May 1, the CDC said. As of July 9, it had confirmed 843 cases across the country, including 86 who were hospitalized. The agency said its figures may understate the true total due to delays in reporting from states. Health officials expect case numbers to continue rising because infections can take up to six weeks after exposure to be confirmed.
Michigan has the highest number of patients
While Michigan recorded the highest number of infections, Ohio and New York also reported significant case numbers. Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Texas have each reported at least 31 cases.
Infections generally increase between May 1 and Aug. 31, according to the CDC. The ages of patients affected by the current outbreak range from 5 to 88 years old, with the average age being 44. Women account for 59% of reported cases.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection spread through food or water contaminated with feces. Infection is most often associated with the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal problems and can range from mild to severe. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness. Although the infection is rarely life-threatening, untreated cases can last for weeks and require hospitalization due to dehydration.
The United States has experienced outbreaks of the disease before. Michigan, for example, typically reports 40 to 50 cases each year.
What is the reason behind the cyclosporiasis epidemic?
The CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and state health departments have not yet identified the contaminated food responsible for the outbreak.
Investigators are tracing food eaten or purchased by infected people throughout the supply chain to determine where contamination may have occurred. Research may also include genetic sequencing.
Health officials offer prevention advice
The parasite is usually spread through contaminated food or water and is not usually transmitted from one person to another.
Previous outbreaks have been linked to bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions, Michigan health officials said. Consumers were advised to purchase whole heads of lettuce, discard the outer leaves, and cook leafy greens and other produce whenever possible.
Ohio health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water before and after handling raw fruits and vegetables, washing produce thoroughly and scrubbing hard fruits and vegetables with a clean brush.
For people diagnosed with cyclosporiasis, the CDC recommends treatment with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, usually sold as Bactrim and taken twice daily for seven to 10 days. People living with HIV may need longer treatment.
