US health officials are investigating a growing cyclospora outbreak after infections surged across the country this year. Since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 domestically acquired cases and is reviewing more than 5,100 additional reports to determine whether they are also linked to the outbreak.
The agency expects the number of infections to continue rising through August. While the illness is rarely life-threatening, it can cause prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Cyclospora is a tiny parasite visible only under a microscope. It causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Once inside the body, it infects the intestines and can cause symptoms lasting weeks if untreated.
Unlike many foodborne illnesses, cyclospora does not usually spread directly from person to person. After leaving the body in stool, the parasite needs several days to weeks in the environment before it can infect someone else.
Health officials have not yet identified the source of the current US outbreak. The FDA is tracing several types of fresh produce through the supply chain. Lettuce identified by Michigan health officials as a possible source is under investigation, but no specific produce item, grower, or supplier has been confirmed.
According to the CDC, symptoms of cyclospora infection usually appear about a week after consuming contaminated food or water. The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea, along with loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and extreme fatigue.
Cyclospora infections have been reported in more than 30 US states, with the highest number of cases in Michigan (501-900), followed by New York (161-300), North Carolina (81-160), and Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Texas (31-80 each).
CDC experts say there is no evidence the parasite has evolved to become more infectious. Michigan's high case count may be partly due to the state's aggressive investigation and reporting. The current case total is four times higher than at the same point last year.
Source: www.aljazeera.com