A type of parasite illness usually associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, Cyclospora, is spreading across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported cases of infection in 31 states, including California, with patients experiencing symptoms such as explosive diarrhea.
According to the latest update released by the CDC on July 10, states including Michigan, New York, California, Florida, Texas, and Colorado have reported at least one case of Cyclospora infection. Investigators are still working to determine the source of this outbreak.
Among them, cases in Michigan are spreading at a rapid pace, with confirmed cases doubling within a few days. The Michigan Department of Health and Public Services reported 2,640 cases in the state, with 44 cases requiring hospitalization.
California has also reported a small number of cases this year, but state health officials have explained that these cases are unrelated to the multi-state outbreak.
Cases of Cyclospora infection occur annually, often at the transition between spring and summer. The CDC describes Cyclospora as a tiny spherical parasite that thrives in warm environments, infecting the human intestinal tract and spreading through feces.
The California Department of Public Health states that Cyclospora in feces needs to remain in the environment for several days to weeks to become infectious, making direct person-to-person transmission of the infection unlikely.
While Cyclospora illness is typically not fatal, it can cause severe watery diarrhea, weight loss, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, rapid dehydration, vomiting, low-grade fever, and may require hospitalization. Diagnosis typically involves testing stool samples, with antibiotics being the preferred treatment option.
Past outbreaks have usually been linked to contaminated fresh produce such as lettuce, raspberries, scallions, green beans, and mixed salads.
According to the University of California, Riverside website, public health epidemiologist Brandon Brown contracted Cyclospora in 2018. He believes he and his family got infected while eating salad during a trip.
Brown recalls the severe symptoms he experienced after diagnosis: unbearable bloating, accompanied by stomach pain, fatigue, body aches, nausea, lasting for a month.
Although the symptoms of Cyclospora illness are similar to diarrhea, they often manifest explosively. Brown advises staying hydrated to avoid dehydration from diarrhea, thoroughly washing salad vegetables or other produce, and maintaining good hand hygiene.
Health departments in Michigan and other areas recommend washing hands before and after handling fruits and vegetables, choosing whole heads of lettuce over packaged varieties, and thoroughly washing and possibly cooking leafy greens and berries before consumption.