Key Takeaways
- The United States is experiencing a surge in cyclosporiasis cases, with 34 states reporting infections.
- Michigan has recorded over 3,000 cases as of Tuesday, making it the hardest-hit state.
- Health officials advise washing hands and produce thoroughly to prevent infection.
The United States is currently grappling with a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed cases in 34 states across the country.
Michigan, which first reported its outbreak in May, has seen a dramatic rise in cases, with over 3,000 people affected as of Tuesday. This makes Michigan the epicenter of the current outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection that can be contracted through contaminated food or water, particularly raw fruits and vegetables. Symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues. The CDC notes that children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.
While the parasite is rarely life-threatening, untreated cases can persist for weeks and may lead to hospitalization due to dehydration. Michigan health officials have stated that current evidence points to lettuce or other salad greens as a potential source of the outbreak, though no specific type of produce has been definitively linked.
Health authorities are tracing back from where ill people reported eating or purchasing food to various points along the supply chain, potentially linking the contamination to farms. The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are using genetic sequencing techniques to identify the source of the contamination.
Past outbreaks have occurred with fresh produce such as bagged salad mixes, raspberries, snow peas, green onions, and herbs like cilantro and basil. Michigan has advised consumers to buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-packaged salads and to cook leafy greens when possible to reduce the risk of infection.
To protect themselves from cyclosporiasis, health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water before and after preparing raw fruits and vegetables. Thoroughly washing produce is also crucial, as scrubbing firm items with a clean brush can help remove any contaminants. The CDC recommends treating those infected with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic commonly sold under the brand name Bactrim.
As of July 13, the CDC had tallied 1,645 confirmed cases across various states, including Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. Among these, 141 people have been hospitalized due to severe symptoms.
