Widespread Intestinal Illness Outbreak Affects Multiple States
A recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal disease causing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue, has been identified in 31 states. Health authorities are actively investigating the outbreak, though the source remains undetermined.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, a condition caused by the Cyclospora parasite, as of last Thursday. However, the actual number of affected individuals is believed to be substantially higher due to reporting delays and mild cases that go unreported. Notably, Michigan alone has documented 1,562 cases as of Friday, according to state health officials (source).
The CDC has recorded 86 hospitalizations related to the outbreak, though no fatalities have been reported. The illness is typically contracted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the parasite. Historically, fresh produce has been linked to similar outbreaks. For instance, in 2018, McDonald’s withdrew salads from numerous locations following an outbreak, and contaminated lettuce imported from Mexico was suspected to have affected 400 people in 2013 (source).
Current Spread of Cyclosporiasis
States across the country, from California to Texas to Florida, have reported cases since early May. The Midwest and Northeast regions, including Michigan and New York, are experiencing significant impacts. In Ohio, the health department has noted 177 cases as of July 2, predominantly occurring in June (source). Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, from the Ohio Department of Health, emphasized the seriousness of cyclosporiasis, highlighting its potential to cause dehydration and necessitate emergency care.
The affected individuals range from 5 to 88 years old, and experts anticipate the total number of cases to rise, given the reporting lag of up to six weeks.
Investigating the Source of the Outbreak
The exact cause of the current cyclosporiasis surge is still unknown. The CDC is conducting interviews with those infected to trace back potentially contaminated food sources. However, the delayed onset of symptoms, which can appear anywhere between two days and two weeks after exposure, complicates the identification process (source). Historically in the U.S., outbreaks have been linked to various produce items, such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and lettuce (source).
Preventive Measures Against Cyclosporiasis
To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate the Cyclospora parasite. While thorough washing of fresh produce, including herbs, is advised, it may not completely remove the parasite (source). Adhering to standard food safety practices, such as washing hands before and after handling fresh produce, is crucial (source). Those experiencing symptoms like severe diarrhea and dehydration should seek medical attention, as antibiotics are typically prescribed for treatment (source).
NPR’s Allison Aubrey contributed reporting.
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