Parasite outbreak in NC and 17 other states, CDC says. What to know about cases, symptoms
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- CDC reports over 100 people contracted the parasitic illness in the U.S. since May 1.
- At least 110 cases have been reported in North Carolina since May 1.
- Cyclosporiasis usually causes watery diarrhea and may need antibiotics if severe.
More than 100 people living in the United States have contracted a parasitic illness since May 1, and 20 people have been hospitalized, according to the CDC.
Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by the single-celled parasite cyclospora, and can cause “explosive” intestinal symptoms.
Cyclosporiasis “usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.” according to the CDC. Cyclosporiasis is reportable in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and New York City.
At least 110 cases have been reported in North Carolina since May 1, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. But according to the CDC, fewer than 10 of those were contracted in the United States.
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with a combination antibiotic, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Most people recover without treatment, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Latest updates in NC
Dr. John Sanders, an infectious disease expert at Atrium Health, said on Wednesday, July 8 that while a source of infection within the United States has not been identified, it is likely a food product. Raw produce is a typical culprit, because it may not be cooked or adequately cleaned to remove the parasite.
“As of right now, they have not been able to identify what that source is, but I think it’s a safe bet to assume that in a national outbreak like this, there’s a contaminated food product, commercial food product that was distributed nationwide, and we are exposed to it in that way,” Sanders said.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
“People who do experience symptoms, the majority of them are mild to moderate, and typically don’t come in for care. We just recommend maintaining hydration, drink a lot of fluid. You can continue to eat, and most people will just get over it. If it’s moderate to severe, and people come in to be seen, it responds very well to some standard antibiotics,” Sanders said.
According to the CDC, symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea (most common)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Body aches
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
“It takes about a week incubating in our system before we begin to get symptoms, but there is no report anywhere ever of human to human direct transmission,” Sanders said.
Sometimes, cyclospora infections appear to go away and then return, as the body fails to fully fight off the infection. The intestinal problems often last longer than typical food poisoning or stomach bugs, which can indicate a sick person should go to the hospital.
Where is the outbreak?
The cases are in 18 states, including North Carolina. The largest number of cases contracted in the United States are in New York, Illinois, Texas and Michigan, where nearly 1,000 cases have been identified as of July 8 (online CDC data has not been updated to reflect Michigan cases).
“We don’t know where it’s 100% coming from, but we can say pretty safely it’s not coming from our public water sources. It’s never ever been reported in a US public water source,” Sanders said. “It is almost certainly coming from an imported food, likely a vegetable, herb or berry. So, I think you know, we should all take caution as we’re preparing our salads, preparing our vegetables.”
How to avoid cyclosporiasis
Cyclospora is typically resistant to most of the chemicals people use to clean, like chlorine and iodine, Sanders said.
“You don’t need to use soap and water, it’s really just about the mechanical washing it off. And then dry it, dry the vegetables, that will reduce the risk substantially,” Sanders said.
Here’s how the FDA recommends cleaning produce:
- Wash hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating produce
- Rinse produce before you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife into the flesh of the fruit or vegetable.
- Gently rub produce while holding under running water. Soap and produce wash are unnecessary
- Use a clean brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers
- Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria
- Remove the outer leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage
Inspired by a story from The Telegraph in Georgia.
