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Rachel V Thomas

Cyclospora Parasite Spreads Across 17 US States: How To Prevent Parasitic Infection

At least 17 US states have reported cases of <span>watery diarrhea</span>, nausea and fatigue caused by the parasite <em><span rel="noindex">Cyclospora</span> cayetanensis</em>.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 145 people aged between five and 86 contracted the parasite between May 1 and June 16.

Twenty of those infected have been hospitalized. The infections have been reported across 17 states, with the highest number of cases recorded in New York.

"Local, state and federal (CDC, FDA) public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases in more than one state. Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing," the CDC said in its update on the outbreak.

<h2>Which States Are Reporting Cases?</h2>

New York has reported the highest number of cases, with between 31 and 80 infections, according to The Independent. Illinois and Texas have each reported between 11 and 30 cases. Other affected states include:

<ul><li>Alaska</li><li>Colorado</li><li>Connecticut</li><li>Florida</li><li>Georgia</li><li>Louisiana</li><li>Massachusetts</li><li>New Jersey</li><li>North Carolina</li><li>Ohio</li><li>Pennsylvania</li><li>Tennessee</li><li>Virginia</li><li>Wisconsin</li></ul>Each of these states has reported between one and 10 cases.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ebola-scare-in-uk-suspected-patient-at-glasgow-hospital-tests-negative-article-154816804" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ebola Scare In UK: Suspected Patient At Glasgow Hospital Tests Negative</a>

<h2>Cases Typically Rise During Summer</h2>

<span>Cyclospora infections</span> usually increase during the summer months, and the CDC considers May 1 through August 31 to be the peak cyclosporiasis season. No deaths have been reported in the current outbreak.

As of June 16, the CDC had also recorded 45 travel-related cases of cyclosporiasis among people who became ill after consuming contaminated food or water outside the United States.

Three of those patients were hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

Health officials believe the current outbreak is linked to contaminated food consumed within the United States. Most of the affected patients had not travelled outside the country before becoming ill.

The officials are still working to identify the specific food item responsible for the outbreak.

<h2>What is Cyclospora cayetanensis?</h2>

<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/dangerous-heat-dome-to-grip-eastern-us-canada-putting-over-220-million-lives-at-risk-how-to-stay-safe-article-154814744" data-type="tilCustomLink">Dangerous Heat Dome To Grip Eastern US, Canada, Putting Over 220 Million Lives At Risk: How To Stay Safe</a>

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that leads to the illness Cyclosporiasis -- a form of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/food-poisoning">food poisoning</a></span>. 

One can get a Cyclospora infection from contaminated food or water. It causes watery diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms. 

A Cyclospora infection can be mild or very serious, and may last weeks or months. It is typically treated with antibiotics. 

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, are more at risk of severe disease. 

<h2>Symptoms Of Cyclospora Infection</h2>

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Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually start within a week of exposure (eating or drinking contaminated food or water) and include: 

<ul><li>Watery or explosive diarrhea </li><li>Loss of appetite </li><li>Bloating and gas </li><li>Fatigue (extreme tiredness) </li><li>Low-grade fever </li><li>Nausea </li><li>Stomach cramps </li><li>Vomiting </li></ul><h2>How Can You Prevent A Cyclospora Infection </h2>

While it is not yet fully understood how Cyclospora gets into food and water, individuals can prevent cyclosporiasis by not consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces. 

The US CDC advises people to take measures to prevent the foodborne illness such as: 

<ul><li>Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables</li><li>Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking</li><li>Fruits and vegetables that are labeled "prewashed" do not need to be washed again at home</li><li>Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush </li><li>Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating </li><li>Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).</li></ul>

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At least 17 US states have reported cases of watery diarrhea, nausea and fatigue caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 145 people aged between five and 86 contracted the parasite between May 1 and June 16.Twenty of those infected have been hospitalized. The infections have been reported across 17 states, with the highest number of cases recorded in New York."Local, state and federal (CDC, FDA) public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases in more than one state. Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing," the CDC said in its update on the outbreak.Which States Are Reporting Cases?New York has reported the highest number of cases, with between 31 and 80 infections, according to The Independent. Illinois and Texas have each reported between 11 and 30 cases. Other affected states include:AlaskaColoradoConnecticutFloridaGeorgiaLouisianaMassachusettsNew JerseyNorth CarolinaOhioPennsylvaniaTennesseeVirginiaWisconsinEach of these states has reported between one and 10 cases.Also read: Ebola Scare In UK: Suspected Patient At Glasgow Hospital Tests NegativeCases Typically Rise During SummerCyclospora infections usually increase during the summer months, and the CDC considers May 1 through August 31 to be the peak cyclosporiasis season. No deaths have been reported in the current outbreak.As of June 16, the CDC had also recorded 45 travel-related cases of cyclosporiasis among people who became ill after consuming contaminated food or water outside the United States.Three of those patients were hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.Health officials believe the current outbreak is linked to contaminated food consumed within the United States. Most of the affected patients had not travelled outside the country before becoming ill.The officials are still working to identify the specific food item responsible for the outbreak.What is Cyclospora cayetanensis?Read More: Dangerous Heat Dome To Grip Eastern US, Canada, Putting Over 220 Million Lives At Risk: How To Stay SafeCyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that leads to the illness Cyclosporiasis -- a form of food poisoning. One can get a Cyclospora infection from contaminated food or water. It causes watery diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms. A Cyclospora infection can be mild or very serious, and may last weeks or months. It is typically treated with antibiotics. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, are more at risk of severe disease. Symptoms Of Cyclospora Infection    Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually start within a week of exposure (eating or drinking contaminated food or water) and include: Watery or explosive diarrhea Loss of appetite Bloating and gas Fatigue (extreme tiredness) Low-grade fever Nausea Stomach cramps Vomiting How Can You Prevent A Cyclospora Infection While it is not yet fully understood how Cyclospora gets into food and water, individuals can prevent cyclosporiasis by not consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces. The US CDC advises people to take measures to prevent the foodborne illness such as: Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetablesWash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cookingFruits and vegetables that are labeled "prewashed" do not need to be washed again at homeScrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible (within two hours).

cyclospora parasite spreads across 17 us states: how to prevent parasitic infection

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