What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Summary
Nearly 1,000 people in Michigan have been diagnosed with a parasite called cyclospora, which causes weeks of watery diarrhea. Similar outbreaks are being investigated in 28 other states, but the source of the infections has not been found.Key Facts
- The outbreak in Michigan is the largest in the state's history, with 992 cases and about 40 hospitalizations reported.
- Cyclospora is a parasite that causes diarrhea and spreads through feces, often through contaminated fruits or vegetables.
- Cases have also been reported in 17 other states, including Ohio, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas.
- Cyclospora outbreaks usually happen in late spring and summer and are generally not life-threatening.
- Past U.S. outbreaks were linked to foods like bagged salad mixes, fresh cilantro, basil, raspberries, and scallions.
- Diagnosing and investigating cyclospora outbreaks is difficult because testing is limited and the parasite cannot be grown in labs.
- The number of cyclospora cases in the U.S. has been increasing over the last decade, possibly due to climate change and better detection methods.
- No deaths have been reported, and the current outbreak is not considered a national health emergency.
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