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Rachel V Thomas

Cyclospora Parasite Spreads to More US States: Foods to Avoid Right Now

Health officials in the United States are investigating a growing outbreak of <span>Cyclospora</span>, a microscopic parasite that causes the <span>intestinal illness</span> <span>cyclosporiasis</span>.

While the source of the outbreak is not yet clear, cases have been rising in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported on July 1 that 170 people across seven counties in Michigan had been infected as of June 30.

"Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan. Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive.

Earlier, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 145 people, aged 5 to 86, contracted the parasite between May 1 and June 16. Twenty people were hospitalized, with infections reported across 17 states. New York recorded the highest number of 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: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,  Tennessee,  Virginia, Wisconsin. Each of these states has reported between one and 10 cases.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/scientific-breakthrough-us-scientists-create-first-synthetic-cell-that-eats-and-reproduces-article-154846277" data-type="tilCustomLink">Scientific Breakthrough: US Scientists Create First Synthetic Cell That Eats and Reproduces</a>

According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the US have frequently been linked to imported fresh produce and to travelers returning from Cyclospora-endemic regions. However, investigators believe the current outbreak is associated with contaminated food consumed within the United States, as most patients had not traveled internationally before becoming ill.

Health officials have not advised people to avoid all fresh produce, as investigators have not yet identified the exact source of the outbreak. However, previous US outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce such as:

<ul><li>Basil</li><li>Cilantro</li><li>Mesclun lettuce</li><li>Raspberries</li><li>Snow peas</li></ul>

So far, no outbreaks have been linked to commercially frozen or canned produce.

The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces and is not spread directly from person to person.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-medicare-set-to-cover-glp-1-drugs-for-weight-loss-all-you-should-know-about-eligibility-costs-article-154808336" data-type="tilCustomLink">US Medicare Set To Cover GLP-1 Drugs For Weight Loss: All You Should Know About Eligibility, Costs</a>

<h2>How To Prevent <span rel="noindex">Cyclospora Infection</span></h2>

The CDC recommends following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of infection:

<ul><li>Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.</li><li>Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.</li><li>Produce labeled "prewashed" does not need to be washed again.</li><li>Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.</li><li>Cut away any bruised or damaged areas before eating.</li><li>Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.</li></ul>

It also advises people traveling to tropical and subtropical regions, where Cyclospora is more common, should also be cautious. Routine chemical disinfectants used on food or water do not reliably kill the parasite.

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

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.

The infection commonly causes <span>watery diarrhea</span> and other digestive symptoms. While many cases are mild, the illness can last weeks or even months if left untreated. Doctors typically treat the infection with antibiotics.

People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other conditions affecting immunity, are at greater risk of developing severe illness.

<h2>Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection</h2>

Symptoms usually begin about one week after consuming contaminated food or water and may include:

<ul><li>Watery or <span rel="noindex">explosive diarrhea</span></li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Bloating and gas</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Low-grade fever</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Stomach cramps</li><li>Vomiting.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cyclospora-parasite-spreads-to-more-us-states-foods-to-avoid-right-now

cyclosporiasis

explosive diarrhea

Cyclospora Infection

Cyclospora Parasite

intestinal illness

Watery diarrhea

cyclospora

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Health officials in the United States are investigating a growing outbreak of Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis.While the source of the outbreak is not yet clear, cases have been rising in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported on July 1 that 170 people across seven counties in Michigan had been infected as of June 30."Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan. Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive.Earlier, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 145 people, aged 5 to 86, contracted the parasite between May 1 and June 16. Twenty people were hospitalized, with infections reported across 17 states. New York recorded the highest number of 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: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,  Tennessee,  Virginia, Wisconsin. Each of these states has reported between one and 10 cases.Also read: Scientific Breakthrough: US Scientists Create First Synthetic Cell That Eats and ReproducesWhat Foods Should You Avoid?According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the US have frequently been linked to imported fresh produce and to travelers returning from Cyclospora-endemic regions. However, investigators believe the current outbreak is associated with contaminated food consumed within the United States, as most patients had not traveled internationally before becoming ill.Health officials have not advised people to avoid all fresh produce, as investigators have not yet identified the exact source of the outbreak. However, previous US outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce such as:BasilCilantroMesclun lettuceRaspberriesSnow peasSo far, no outbreaks have been linked to commercially frozen or canned produce.The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces and is not spread directly from person to person.Read More: US Medicare Set To Cover GLP-1 Drugs For Weight Loss: All You Should Know About Eligibility, CostsHow To Prevent Cyclospora InfectionThe CDC recommends following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of infection:Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.Produce labeled "prewashed" does not need to be washed again.Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.Cut away any bruised or damaged areas before eating.Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.It also advises people traveling to tropical and subtropical regions, where Cyclospora is more common, should also be cautious. Routine chemical disinfectants used on food or water do not reliably kill the parasite.What Is Cyclospora cayetanensis?Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.The infection commonly causes watery diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. While many cases are mild, the illness can last weeks or even months if left untreated. Doctors typically treat the infection with antibiotics.People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other conditions affecting immunity, are at greater risk of developing severe illness.Symptoms of Cyclospora InfectionSymptoms usually begin about one week after consuming contaminated food or water and may include:Watery or explosive diarrheaLoss of appetiteBloating and gasFatigueLow-grade feverNauseaStomach crampsVomiting.

cyclospora parasite spreads to more us states: foods to avoid right now

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