EXPLOSIVE INCREASE

U.S. Parasite Outbreak Now Affecting Thousands Across 31 States

The CDC says confirmed cases are expected to climb even further as states continue reporting infections.

A parasitic outbreak has now caused more than 3,000 people to fall ill as investigators attempt to identify what is fueling the outbreak. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the bowel, causing symptoms like “explosive” watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration severe enough to require hospitalization. Infections are most often associated with fresh produce including lettuce, basil, cilantro, berries, and peas, though officials have not tied this year’s outbreak to any particular fruit or vegetable. While the CDC has officially confirmed just 843 domestically acquired Cyclospora infections across 31 states, the agency says state health departments are anticipating that case counts “will continue to rise as data are received.” The largest spike has come from Michigan, where state government officials say 2,640 cases have been logged. An additional surplus of cases has been found in Ohio, where officials have identified 434 infections. Federal and state investigators are still determining whether the illnesses stem from a single contaminated food item or multiple sources. The CDC says 86 people have been hospitalized but no deaths have been reported, and they expect confirmed case counts to continue climbing as states submit additional data.