More than 3,700 people were diagnosed with cyclosporiasis in the United States as of Tuesday, the 14th. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the intestinal disease is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and causes watery diarrhea, with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.
'Explosive diarrhea' in the USA: more than 3,700 people are infected by parasite
More than 3,700 people were diagnosed with cyclosporiasis in the United States as of Tuesday, the 14th. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the intestinal disease is caused by the...
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) said on Monday the 13th that initial investigations point to lettuce or salad leaves as a possible source of the outbreak, although other foods cannot be completely ruled out. The ministry reported that the investigation is still ongoing and that no specific product, producer or supplier has been identified as the source of the contamination.
According to the latest balance released by MDHHS, Michigan recorded 3,309 cases of cyclosporiasis as of Tuesday morning, with at least 44 hospitalizations. The ministry reported that, normally, the State records between 40 and 50 cases of the disease per year.
The Ohio Department of Health reported that the State recorded 397 cases of cyclosporiasis as of Monday, the 13th, with at least 46 hospitalizations.
Although Michigan currently reports the highest number of Cyclospora infections in the US, the CDC said that 31 states have confirmed cases of the disease and that several of them have higher-than-usual numbers, including New York, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. Since 2016, the agency has recorded an average of 2,800 cases per year across the country.
This year is "on track to be the highest on record" for cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S., said Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health who has been tracking the cases.
Lettuce and salad mixes, as well as other fresh produce such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, mixed berries, sugar snap peas and snow peas, have been linked to previous Cyclospora outbreaks in the US.
In 2020, an outbreak linked to Fresh Express packaged salads containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and carrots — the largest in recent U.S. history, according to the CDC — sickened 701 people in 14 states. The CDC also linked an outbreak in Florida in 2022 to packaged salads, including Caesar salad kits with romaine lettuce.
Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that, in addition to diarrhea, can cause loss of appetite, cramps, bloating, nausea and fatigue. The parasite infects the intestine and is transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water. In the past, cases have been linked to the consumption of fruits and vegetables exposed to irrigation water contaminated with feces.
Although serious complications are rare, symptoms can persist for months if the infection is not treated. The CDC recommends that people with symptoms see a healthcare professional for testing and appropriate treatment, which may include the use of antibiotics.
*With information from international agencies.
Source:
Noticias ao Minuto - Ultima Hora
