31 states are reporting cases of ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite as outbreak continues to grow

31 states are reporting cases of ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite as outbreak continues to grow The outbreak has resulted in at least 86 hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A parasitic outbreak that causes severe gastrointestinal illness has spread to 31 U.S. states, federal and state health officials reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 843 domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, resulting in 86 hospitalizations and no deaths. However, federal officials say that the true number of infections is vastly higher. Because many infected people recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing specific testing, and because several states are experiencing significant data processing backlogs, the federal totals reflect a severe undercount of the actual outbreak size. An additional 1,500 suspected cases are currently undergoing further laboratory analysis to determine if they are tied to the spike. Case numbers differ significantly depending on the state. Though no cases have been recorded in Alabama, states like New York and Michigan are experiencing the highest concentration of illnesses. Federal numbers are lower because it takes the CDC up to six weeks to confirm and log a case. Because of this delay, local state counts are often much higher. For example, health officials in Michigan have already recorded more than 1,500 cases locally, CBS News reported. The illness is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite typically transmitted through water or fresh produce contaminated with human feces. Symptoms usually appear roughly one week after exposure, though the incubation period can range from two days to more than two weeks. As previously reported, the primary symptom is watery, often explosive diarrhea, which carries a severe risk of dehydration. Additional symptoms include acute fatigue, stomach cramps, bloating, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, a low-grade fever and a loss of appetite. Although the infection affects all demographics, recent CDC data shows the parasite has primarily affected people between the ages of 5 and 88, with a median age of 44, and females accounting for approximately 59 percent of the cases. Health investigators have not yet identified a specific food source driving the current multistate spike. However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services noted that prior historical outbreaks have been repeatedly traced back to fresh herbs and produce, including bagged salad mixes, pre-cut lettuce blends, fresh cilantro, basil, snow peas, green onions and raspberries. Public health agencies have issued specific food safety guidelines to lower the risk of infection while the investigation continues. For leafy greens, officials recommend purchasing whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed bagged kits. Consumers should discard the outer two to three layers of leaves and thoroughly wash the inner layers under running water. Herbs like cilantro and basil should be separated and washed individually under running water. Green onions should have their root ends trimmed and outer layers removed before washing. For snow peas, health officials advise washing under running water while physically rubbing the surface. Because the bumpy texture of raspberries contains microscopic crevices where the parasite can easily evade standard rinsing, experts note they are particularly difficult to clean. For all of these items, including berries, green onions and herbs, cooking remains the safest option. Buying frozen raspberries is a viable alternative, though public health officials caution that freezing may reduce the presence of the parasite but does not fully guarantee its elimination. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments