Health experts are sharing fresh guidance on cyclospora as an ongoing outbreak has now been reported across multiple states, with an unprecedented number of cases.
Nearly 18,000 confirmed or probable cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in 45 states since May 1, according to the latest CDC data as of July 28. Of these, the CDC has confirmed approximately 6,707 cases with another 11,500 under investigation. Michigan has been hit the hardest, reporting 11,234 cyclosporiasis cases as of August 3, making this the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak the country has seen.
Cyclospora, the nasty parasite known for causing “explosive diarrhea,” has killed at least two people amid the outbreaks. The two deaths were reported in Michigan and are the first tied to the ongoing surge in cases across the U.S.
The illness is linked to a parasite that can spread through contaminated food or water. It can also be passed on through produce, including fruit and vegetables, that has come into contact with unsafe water.
It’s ‘an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis,’ the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.
Not everyone who catches cyclosporiasis will notice symptoms, but many people do develop digestive problems.
Common signs can include:
‘watery diarrhea’
‘frequent’
‘sometimes explosive bowel movements’
People may also feel nauseous, drained, bloated, or cramped, and some can lose their appetite or drop weight.
While the condition is not usually considered life-threatening, it can still be very unpleasant and disruptive.
If you think you may have the infection, keeping up your fluid intake is important to reduce the risk of dehydration from ongoing diarrhea.
Replacing lost electrolytes can help too, which is why drinks designed to restore them may be useful.
Cleveland Clinic says it is
‘a good idea’
to speak to a healthcare professional, especially if you are having
‘several bouts of watery diarrhea per day’
or if symptoms return or get worse
‘after finishing your full course of antibiotics’
Doctors may also suggest anti-diarrheal medication to help limit dehydration and prevent the body from losing too many nutrients. The standard treatment for cyclosporiasis is a 7 to 10-day course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). For those with a sulfa drug allergy, alternatives such as nitazoxanide or ciprofloxacin may be prescribed.
“With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people feel better after a week or two. But you may still have occasional bouts of diarrhea for up to a month,”
As of August 3, the CDC said its investigation into the outbreak was still ongoing. A major outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, with at least 1,947 cases associated with this cluster.
“CDC, FDA, and public health officials in several states are investigating multistate outbreaks of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce and other sources.”
On July 17, Taylor Farms de Mexico announced a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The company said the shredded iceberg lettuce product was distributed June 29 through July 16 in states including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The recalled lettuce was served at Taco Bell, Walmart, and Jack in the Box locations, as well as distributed through major food service providers including Sysco.
The CDC warned consumers to
‘not eat’
the product, but instead
‘return it’
or
‘throw it out’
“CDC is also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak.” The FDA is investigating five smaller cyclosporiasis outbreaks in addition to the major multistate clusters being tracked.