Cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness linked to a microscopic parasite that can sometimes cause “explosive” diarrhea, are increasing in 31 states, including 50 in Florida.
Cyclosporiasis is a disease that infects the small intestine and “usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC. It is transmitted via contaminated food or water, direct contact with infected livestock or pets, and person-to-person via the fecal-oral route.
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.
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.”
List of states with confirmed cases
As of Tuesday, July 14, the following states have confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, according to the CDC and local reporting.
Where are the cases of cyclosporiasis in Florida? See cases by county in Florida
What are symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
Not all people infected with cyclosporiasis show symptoms, but in addition to diarrhea, it commonly causes:
Less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever and other flu-like symptoms.
The time between infection and becoming sick is typically about a week, but can be as short as two days or as long as two weeks. If left untreated, the illness can last over a month, and symptoms can clear before returning one or more times.
What’s the treatment for cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which is sold as Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim, according to the CDC.
“If you are allergic to sulfa drugs, talk to your health care provider about other potential options,” the agency adds. “Resting and drinking plenty of fluids is also important for those experiencing diarrhea.”
How to prevent cyclosporiasis
According to the FDOH, the two main ways to prevent cyclosporiasis are to practice good hygiene and avoid contaminated food and drinks.
They note alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against it. Instead, washing hands at key times with soap and water can help prevent infections.
While the current groups of cases have not yet been linked to a single outbreak or common food item, health officials advised extra caution with foods that have been implicated in past outbreaks. The following foods should be washed and scrubbed thoroughly with a brush or sponge.
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Map tracks ‘explosive diarrhea’ cases in US, Florida
Reporting by Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
