Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak of cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes severe diarrheal illness, after 72 people were reported sick as of Wednesday.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet identified the food product linked to the illnesses and has not disclosed where the cases have been reported.
Cyclospora parasite outbreaks sickens 72 people
The backstory:
The new investigation comes as federal officials remain focused on a separate multistate cyclospora outbreak potentially linked to lettuce from Taylor Farms. Last week, the company announced a recall of iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico.
Fresh fruits and vegetable aisle at grocery store in Denver, North Carolina. (Credit: Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
On Wednesday, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they were aware of more than 7,400 additional illnesses that have not yet been laboratory confirmed, with many of those reports coming from Michigan and Ohio.
Officials expect case counts to rise due to reporting delays and say the true number of infections is likely higher. The CDC said 308 people with confirmed domestically acquired infections have been hospitalized, with no deaths reported. Cases span 41 states, and patients range in age from 2 to 95, with a median age of 44.
RELATED: CDC: Cyclosporiasis outbreak grows to 4,100 cases, 7,500 more unconfirmed
Unlike pathogens such as salmonella or E. coli, which can be sequenced and matched through national databases, cyclospora cannot be traced using those same methods. Scientists have to take genetic material from the organism and make synthetic copies of the DNA, which could lead to a false positive.
The CDC urged doctors to start testing for cyclospora to make sure people are treated properly. With the publicity that has been generated by the recent outbreak of cyclospora, experts say more people are likely seeking out testing.
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What is cyclosporiasis?
Big picture view:
According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora.
Experts say it’s usually found in developing countries and is spread by food or water contaminated with feces. It doesn’t spread from person-to-person.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss.
For people who do not get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.
Public health officials haven’t linked the most recent outbreak to a specific type of produce grower or supplies, or a specific type of produce as a potential source of the outbreak.
However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a list of produce that has been tied to previous outbreaks, including:
- Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
- Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Fresh basil
- Raspberries
- Snow peas
- Green onions (scallions)
Preventing cyclosporiasis
What you can do:
Health officials say rinsing produce with running water and rubbing the surface of the fruit or vegetable can help to prevent the illness. They also say to consider frozen over fresh, although that doesn’t completely eliminate the risk. It’s safest if it’s cooked.
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