'Explosive diarrhea' parasite invades Long Island as separate bacteria outbreak sickens dozens after music festival

Key Points:

• Seventeen cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite causing severe diarrhea, have been confirmed on Long Island, marking an increase from 10 cases last year; the illness is linked to imported produce and can cause symptoms lasting over a month.
• Nassau County health officials advise thorough handwashing, proper washing of produce, and heating food to at least 158°F to prevent infection from the parasite.
• Over 400 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in New York state, mostly in New York City, with nearly 850 cases confirmed across 31 states according to the CDC, which is investigating over 1,500 additional potential cases.
• Separately, a salmonella outbreak on Long Island’s East End has hospitalized 58 people since July 1, possibly originating from the Palm Tree Music Festival held on a Native American reservation.
• Salmonella infections are typically caused by bacteria on raw or improperly stored foods and result in symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and vomiting that last a few hours to days.