The number of Floridians with intestinal illness symptoms, including “explosive” diarrhea, is likely higher than reported, health experts said.
Cases of intestinal illness linked to the microscopic parasite Cyclospora are popping up all over the country. There have been 106 cases reported in Florida since July 11, according to the Florida Department of Health’s Reportable Diseases Frequency Report.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 843 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis were reported among people in the United States as of July 9. There have been 86 hospitalizations and no deaths. Sick people ranged in age from 5 to 88 years, with a median age of 44, and 59% were female.
Additionally, another 343 cases were reported among people who ate or drank food or water that made them sick while traveling outside the United States during the 14 days before they got sick. These cases were reported by 32 states.
“This infectious disease may be hard to monitor due to the nature of the signs and symptoms,” Dr. Norman Beatty, an associate professor of medicine and hospital epidemiologist at UF Health Shands told News Service of Florida. “It’s common to get a diarrheal illness at times, and other infectious diseases can resolve on their own, but cyclosporiasis is important to identify right now because there are multiple outbreaks across the country.”
What causes Cyclosporiasis, or “explosive” diarrhea?
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the parasite cyclospora, which causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
The origin of the outbreak is still unknown; however, USA TODAY reported that officials are looking beyond produce to determine it.
“The role of water in the transmission of cyclospora to humans is probably underestimated or underrepresented and less understood,” former FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas told USA TODAY. “There have been some big outbreaks in the United States that were produce-related, but it was likely, and in some cases proven, that the water served as the conduit for the produce contamination.”
Health officials urge using extra caution with certain foods while experts work to determine what is causing the outbreak. The following foods should be washed and scrubbed thoroughly with a brush or sponge.
What county in Florida has the most cases of Cyclosporiasis, or “explosive” diarrhea?
Miami-Dade County has the most reported cases with 20, as of July 11.
That’s followed by Lee at 16 and Broward at 7. Seminole County had 5 and multiple counties reported 4 cases.
What to do if you have Cyclosporiasis symptoms
Minor cases can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter-medication.
Medical attention should be sought if diarrhea is prolonged and accompanied by dizziness, inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration. When experiencing symptoms, avoid foods such as high-sugar beverages, alcohol and excess caffeine, greasy and spicy foods and dairy products.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cyclospora parasite sickens at least 90 in Florida amid US outbreak
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response / Florida Today
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By Michelle Spitzer, Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response | USA TODAY Network
