Which states has the ‘explosive’ diarrhea parasite been reported

(NewsNation) — Health officials have yet to find the source of a parasitic disease that has hit more than a dozen states and causes serious symptoms such as “explosive” diarrhea.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first learned of large clusters of cyclosporiasis in early May. The CDC had recorded only 145 cases in 17 states as of its last public update on July 1.

As of Monday, the parasitic disease had spread to at least 18 states; Most cases were reported in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Texas.

Although exact figures are not known, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services As of July 4, 572 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported, and New York has reported more than 100 cases. Exact figures for Illinois or Texas have not been released. Current figures are likely an undercount because most people who get sick don’t report it or go to the doctor unless it’s serious.

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Other states linked to the outbreak include Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

To date, no product, product, or supplier has been identified by the CDC or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the source of the outbreak.

What is the ‘explosive’ diarrheal parasite cyclosporiasis?

cyclosporiasis It is a type of food poisoning caused by a parasite, according to the CDC. People usually become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces. Symptoms usually appear within two to 14 days after ingestion.

Although cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening, people can experience serious symptoms such as cramps, nausea, fatigue and vomiting. The most commonly reported symptom is “watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements.” according to the agency. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, increased gas, body aches, headache, low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms.

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It can last from a few days to a month if not treated with antibiotics. Symptoms may also disappear and return multiple times.

The health agency noted a higher risk infection when living in or traveling to tropical or subtropical regions where the parasite is more common.

Previous causes of cyclosporiasis outbreaks

Cyclosporiasis outbreaks often trace their origins to prepackaged foods and fresh produce. Previous epidemics connected to:

• Bagged salad mixes and kits

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The last outbreak in 2019 was linked to basil imported from Mexico. At least 2,400 people in 37 states and the District of Columbia have become ill, according to the data. National Library of Medicine.

Protecting yourself from cyclosporiasis

If you plan to prepare or eat raw food, the CDC recommends taking the following steps: reduce risk of exposure:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.

• Wash all fresh produce, herbs, fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, cutting and cooking.

• Scrub hard fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.

• Cut off any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.

• Store cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator as soon as possible, preferably within two hours.

• If you are cooking raw foods, make sure they reach 158°F or higher to kill Cyclospora parasites.

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