The dreaded “explosive diarrhea” disease continues to spread across the United States in growing numbers, with Illinois among the various hotspots.
Cyclospora, a parasite causing severe gastrointestinal distress for hundreds of Americans, isn’t new. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. is seeing a major outbreak of more than 1,000 cyclosporiasis cases this year.
Some people who have contracted the bug have experienced “watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.” The illness comes with a risk of dehydration, especially if it lingers − the CDC says symptoms can last from a few days to more than a month and pause, then return.
How many cyclosporiasis cases in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Public Health told the Peoria Journal Star 216 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in the state as of Tuesday, July 14.
Ninety-six of these reports came from residents who had traveled outside the country, while another 95 were domestically acquired and the remaining 25 had unknown travel histories.
No deaths have been reported in Illinois as a result of the disease, though 18 cases resulted in hospitalizations, according to the IDPH.
How it spreads and how to prevent it
According to the CDC, the cyclospora parasite spreads in food or water contaminated with feces. Patients usually become sick about a week after becoming infected, but symptoms could begin as soon as two days or as long as two weeks or more after exposure.
Experts recommend avoiding consuming any food or water that may be contaminated and handling, preparing and storing food safely. The list of potentially contaminated foods include many fruits and vegetables.
How it’s different from other diseases
Cyclosporiasis has a few key differences from diseases caused by other sources, such as salmonella and E. coli. Those two infections, for example, affect a much larger number of people each year.
One distinction is that while the symptoms from salmonella and E. coli typically only last a week or less, cyclosporiasis symptoms can last days to a month or longer, according to the CDC.
Are you sick? Check out these resources
Our partners at USA TODAY have been tracking the cyclosporiasis outbreak nationwide. Read some of their coverage below.
CONTRIBUTING: USA TODAY reporters Janet Loehrke and George Petras.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Cyclosporiasis cases surpass 200 in Illinois. See common causes
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Jenny Porter Tilley, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Hannah Hudnall and Jenny Porter Tilley, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
