What to know about ‘explosive diarrhoea’ parasite outbreak in US
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A diarrhoea-causing parasite outbreak has spread in a number of US states, with thousands of cases reported in recent weeks
Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by a microscopic parasite, with the main symptom being frequent, watery and explosive diarrhoea. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite
The outbreak spans more than a dozen states, and is particularly troublesome in Michigan, where nearly 1,000 people have been diagnosed in a two-week period. No deaths from the recent infections have been reported in the US
While the to foodborne illness in raw produce
Where have cases been reported?
There were 145 reported cases of cyclosporiasis in the US between 1 May and 16 June, the most recent date up to which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared data
No deaths have been reported, and 20 people were admitted to hospital, the CDC said
Outbreaks have been reported across 17 states since early May, including in Illinois, New York and Texas, says the CDC
The BBC has asked the <a href="https://healthylife7.com/organization-warns-of-public-health-emergency-in-venezuela-after-38-hospitals-damaged-in-earthquakes-last-month/" title="Organization warns of public health emergency in Venezuela after 38 hospitals damaged in earthquakes last month”>public health agency for more up-to-date figures
State public health departments have been reporting increasing numbers of infections
As of 8 July, Michigan health officials said there were nearly 1,000 cases reported in that state alone within a two-week period
In Illinois, public health officials reported 141 cases on 7 July, calling it a “higher-than-average” figure
Some 177 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Ohio, officials said
The number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher than the number reported because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for the illness
What is cyclospora?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, according to the CDC
People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite
The illness is not usually life threatening, according to the CDC, and is less common than other foodborne illnesses such as salmonella and E. coli
People who are infected with cyclospora may or may not experience symptoms. The illness usually causes diarrhoea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements”, says the public health agency
If untreated, the illness may last from a few days to over a month, and symptoms may return after appearing to dissipate
It usually takes about one week after infection to become sick
Person-to-person transmission does not occur of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
The epidemiologist wrote in an 8 July newsletter that transmission was exclusively faecal-oral
What’s causing the outbreak?
No specific type of produce or any grower or supplier has been identified as the source
“Contamination typically occurs at the farm or irrigation level, making traceback investigations difficult,” Rivers wrote
Previous cyclospora outbreaks in the US and Canada have been linked to bagged salad mixes and kits, fresh cilantro, fresh basil, raspberries, snow peas and green onions
How to stay safe
Given the large and increasing number of cases, Michigan’s health department has recommended restaurants and kitchens preparing or serving raw produce reduce risk by thoroughly washing greens, cooking raspberries and leafy greens when possible, and removing outer layers of lettuce and green onions
While the US Food and Drug Administration says rinsing produce is unlikely to be effective, the CDC still recommends it
People who are experiencing diarrhoea are urged to contact a health provider and ask about possible infection, officials said
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