Parasite cases spread across several states, CDC says. What to know in South MS
A parasite outbreak causing “watery diarrhea” has rapidly spread to 17 states across the country, health officials said.
More than 140 cases of cyclosporiasis and 20 hospitalizations due to the infection have been reported as of June 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a July 1 news release.
“Local, state and federal public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases in more than one state. There is currently no evidence of a single, multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking all cases,” CDC experts said.
According to CDC data, the outbreak has yet to reach Mississippi, but officials are warning residents to take precaution. Here’s what to know about the new outbreak.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora, CDC officials said. Case counts typically rise between May 1 and Aug. 31.
The illness spreads when people eat food or drink water contaminated with feces, and in the U.S. outbreaks have been linked to different types of fresh produce, according to experts.
As of July 1, 17 states reported cases, according to the CDC. These are the states that reported cases:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Tennessee
- Georgia
- Florida
- Ohio
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
New York has the most reported cases as of July 1, with about 31 to 80 people sick, according to CDC data.
What are the symptoms of Cyclosporiasis?
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis can begin anywhere between two days and two weeks after consuming contaminated food or water, health experts said.
These are the symptoms to look out for, according to the CDC:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
- Other flu-like symptoms
How to prevent Cyclosporiasis
Take the following steps to prevent Cyclospora, according to the CDC:
- Don’t consume food or water that may be contaminated with feces
- Follow food safety handling recommendations for safe preparation and storage
