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N.C. (WBTV) – The sickness causing explosive diarrhea across the United States has reached more than 300 reported cases in North Carolina, health officials said Tuesday
North Carolina health officials said that between May 1-July 14, 307 cases of cyclosporiasis had been reported, with 13 of those cases requiring hospitalization. Health officials in Mecklenburg County reported 18 cases
- Watery diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps/pain
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
The uptick in cyclosporiasis cases is a national trend. As of July 13, the CDC said 1,645 cases from 34 states were lab-confirmed — which can only be done through a stool sample. Of those confirmed cases, the CDC said between 81-160 were in North Carolina — the third most in the entire country, behind only Michigan and New York
The CDC said the true number of cases is likely higher than the number of lab-confirmed cases
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite known as cyclospora
The illness is not usually life-threatening, according to the CDC, and spreads when people consume food or water that is contaminated with cyclospora. North Carolina health officials said cyclospora is often associated with herbs and fresh produce
Health officials in Michigan suggested the recent outbreak may have been caused by lettuce. On July 14, the popular fast-food chain Taco Bell issued a statement that said it was temporarily pulling some ingredients out of precaution
The CDC said people infected may or may not experience symptoms, and those who do experience symptoms usually start to notice them about a week after consuming the contaminated food or water
Per the CDC, there are antibiotics that can be given to people diagnosed with cyclosporiasis
People who are sick with the illness usually can recover without the antibiotics but may experience symptoms anywhere from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms can also go away then come back
The CDC said resting and drinking plenty of fluids is also important for people dealing with diarrhea
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- Mecklenburg County reports 18 cyclosporiasis cases; officials urge precautions
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- What to know about the sickness causing explosive diarrhea across North Carolina, US
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