Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Expands Across U. S. as Cyclospora Cases Climb; - FINCHANNELExplosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Expands Across the United States
The explosive diarrhea parasite outbreak has spread across at least 18 U. S. states, with Cyclospora infections rising sharply as CDC and state health departments investigate contaminated food sources.
The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health agencies are investigating a growing outbreak ofcyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by the microscopic parasiteCyclospora cayetanensis, after hundreds of Americans developed severe gastrointestinal illness marked by prolonged watery diarrhea often described by physicians as “explosive diarrhea. ”The investigation has expanded rapidly over the past two weeks. While the CDC’s most recent national surveillance report documented145 domestically acquired infections across 17 states and at least 20 hospitalizations as of June 16, subsequent reports from state health departments indicate the outbreak has grown substantially. By early July, more than400 cases had been identified across 18 states, with Michigan emerging as the center of the largest known cluster. CDC: No Single Food Source IdentifiedFederal investigators emphasize there iscurrently no evidence of a single nationwide outbreaklinked to one contaminated product. Instead, the CDC, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state health departments are investigating several separate clusters that may involve different food sources. Previous Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce including cilantro, basil, bagged salads, spinach, raspberries and lettuce, but investigators have not yet identified the source responsible for the current illnesses. Cyclospora infections typically increase between May and August because fresh produce consumption rises during the summer months and contaminated produce is frequently eaten raw. Michigan Reports the Largest OutbreakMichigan has recorded the nation’s most significant increase. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reportedmore than 300 confirmed cases since June 22, an extraordinary jump compared with the state’s normal annual average of roughly50 cases. State officials described the outbreak as “large and growing” and urged residents experiencing persistent diarrhea lasting several days to seek medical evaluation. Health officials continue interviewing patients and tracing food purchases to determine whether infections originated from a common supplier. State-by-State SituationBased on CDC surveillancedataand state health department updates, the outbreak currently includes infections across numerous states. StateReported SituationMichiganMore than300 casesreported since June 22; largest outbreak in the country. New YorkMore than100 reported casessince May according to recent state reporting. North CarolinaMore than60 confirmed cases, well above seasonal expectations. Pennsylvania19 confirmed casesreported by state officials. Connecticut23 confirmed casesas of July 1. TexasCDC surveillance identified11–30 domestically acquired casesthrough mid-June; officials continue monitoring additional reports. IllinoisCDC places Illinois among states reporting11–30 casesduring the surveillance period. Additional affected states identified by CDC surveillance include:AlaskaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaLouisianaMassachusettsNew JerseyOhioTennesseeVirginiaWisconsinThese figures represent laboratory-confirmed domestic infections. Public health officials believe the true number of infections is considerably higher because many patients recover without laboratory testing. Symptoms Can Last for WeeksCyclospora infects the small intestine after contaminated food or water is consumed. Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure and include:Severe watery diarrheaExplosive diarrheaAbdominal crampsBloatingNauseaFatigueLoss of appetiteWeight lossLow-grade feverUnlike many bacterial foodborne illnesses, cyclosporiasis often follows a relapsing course. Patients may appear to recover before symptoms return days later. Without treatment, illness can persist for several weeks or even months. Why Person-to-Person Spread Is RareOne unusual feature of Cyclospora is that infected people generallydo not directly infect others. After leaving the human body, the parasite requires approximately one to two weeks in the environment before becoming infectious. That means outbreaks are usually traced to contaminated food or water rather than transmission between family members or coworkers. Treatment and PreventionMost patients recover after treatment with the antibiotictrimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), although individuals allergic to sulfa drugs may require alternative therapies. Health officials recommend:Washing hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food. Rinsing fresh fruits and vegetables, although washing alone may not eliminate all Cyclospora contamination. Drinking safe water. Seeking medical care if diarrhea persists beyond several days or signs of dehydration develop. Older adults, young children, transplant recipients, cancer patients, and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Investigators Continue Search for Contaminated FoodThe CDC, FDA and state health departments are continuing patient interviews, laboratory testing and supply-chain tracing in an effort to identify contaminated food products before additional illnesses occur. Officials caution that until a specific source is confirmed, consumers should remain alert for symptoms but should not avoid any particular produce because no single food item has been implicated in the current investigation. What is cyclosporiasis?Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasiteCyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, outbreaks are often linked to fresh produce.