Mississippi confirms five ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite cases, including on Coast
The Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed five cases of cyclosporiasis across the state, including at least one case in South MS.
Cyclosporiasis is a digestive illness caused by a parasite and often linked to contaminated fresh produce including berries, lettuce, cilantro and snap peas.
State epidemiologist Dr. Renia Dotson said the five Mississippi cases are not linked to the multistate outbreak under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and health officials have yet to identify a common link.
“This is not a new or novel disease,” Dotson said. “I think the most important thing that I would fight for Mississippians to know is not to panic. It is not transmitted from person to person.”
The CDC confirmed 1,645 cases nationwide and is working to verify more than 5,100 additional cases. While the parasite has resulted in more than 140 hospitalizations, the CDC has not reported any cyclosporiasis-related deaths.
According to the CDC, the parasite causes watery, frequent and explosive diarrhea alongside stomach cramps, nausea, fever and fatigue. Symptoms can last between a few days and several months, and may relapse if left untreated.
To prevent ingesting the parasite, the CDC recommends thoroughly washing all fresh produce. Cutting away bruised and damaged areas on fruits and vegetables and scrubbing firm produce such as melons and cucumbers can also help prevent the illness.
The state did not identify which counties were the sites of the cases.
