According to Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), there is a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora going on right now that has sickened at least 202 people in 19 states. Last year a huge Cyclospora outbreak sickened at least 621 people in 25 states. Some of those cases were never solved; one group was linked to produce imported from Mexico.
There have been 77 more cases reported in the last week. More than half of the cases are in Texas, which has 110 of the ill persons. The counties affected in Texas include Dallas (21 cases), Tarrant (11 cases), and Harris (8 cases), among others.
Six more states reported cases, which brings the total of affected states to 19, along with New York City. The latest states to report cases are Michigan, Minnesota, California, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Ohio.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said investigations are occurring in Texas, Maine, and Massachusetts. Public health officials are interviewing case-patients to try to pinpoint a common source. Some people have traveled abroad, which is a risk factor for this illness, but at least 67 of Texas’ 110 patients did not travel.
Officials believe that imported fresh produce may be the source for the parasite again. Consumers are advised to thoroughly wash produce before consuming it. The problem is that Cyclospora is difficult to wash off some vegetables, especially leafy greens.
The parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis is found in tropical and subtropical areas. Humans get sick by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated by feces. The symptoms of a Cyclospora infection begin 2 to 14 days after ingesting the oocytes, and include diarrhea that can last for months, anorexia, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If you experience these symptoms, please see your doctor.
