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What to know about cyclospora 'explosive diarrhea' parasite outbreak in US
BBC • • health
Key Points:
- Nearly 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, a diarrhoea-causing parasite infection, have been reported across 34 US states, with Michigan hardest hit, reporting over 3,700 cases.
- Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite transmitted through contaminated food or water, leading to frequent, watery, and explosive diarrhoea; the illness can last from days to over a month if untreated.
- No deaths have been reported, but 141 hospitalizations have occurred; the outbreak source remains unidentified, though past outbreaks have been linked to raw produce such as salad mixes, cilantro, and berries.
- The CDC warns that case numbers are likely underreported and expected to rise as investigations continue; transmission occurs only via ingestion of contaminated food or water, not person-to-person.
- Health authorities recommend thorough washing or cooking of raw produce to reduce risk, and Taco Bell has temporarily removed certain ingredients at select locations as a precaution, though no specific source has been confirmed.
