CDC investigates parasite that’s caused cases of ‘explosive’ diarrhea in 18 US states

Key Points:

• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing watery diarrhea, with over 400 cases reported across 18 states.
• The parasite cyclospora spreads through contaminated raw produce and water, causing symptoms such as cramps, nausea, fatigue, and explosive diarrhea; 20 hospitalizations have been reported but no deaths.
• Michigan and New York are among the hardest-hit states, with Michigan reporting over 300 cases since June 22, far exceeding its usual annual count, and New York seeing a significant increase in cases compared to previous years.
• The CDC, alongside the FDA and local officials, is working to identify multiple clusters and potential sources, with no evidence yet of a single multi-state outbreak; the illness typically peaks from May to August due to consumption of fresh produce.
• The CDC advises thorough washing of fresh produce and kitchen surfaces, recommends seeking medical care if symptoms appear, and notes that cyclosporiasis is not usually transmitted person-to-person and most healthy individuals recover without antibiotics.