‘Explosive Diarrhea Parasite’ Spreading Across 17 States, CDC Warns. How to Reduce Your Risk.

• The CDC is raising concerns about the spread of a parasite that can cause explosive diarrhea. 
• Cyclosporiasis is typically spread through contaminated food or water. 
• The CDC reported 145 cases across 17 states between May 1 and June 16.
• The FDA is working with the CDC to identify the potential sources of the parasitic infection. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned of an increase in cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that can cause watery, often explosive diarrhea, among other symptoms.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically begin within 7 days of exposure to the parasite. 

The CDC reported 145 cases of cyclosporiasis and 20 hospitalizations between May 1 and June 16. However, more recently, a large, sudden cluster of cases has emerged in Michigan. 

A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) told Healthline that as of July 2, the state had identified 300 cases. Typically, Michigan identifies only about 50 cases of cyclosporiasis per year.

“MDHHS is working with [the] local health department in southeast Michigan to investigate [the] large and growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrheal illness, to identify a common exposure,” said the DHHS spokesperson.

“The department is coordinating the multi-jurisdictional investigation, assisting in case interviews, and sharing information with the CDC and MDARD [Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development]. At this time, the source or sources have not yet been identified.” 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC are also currently working to identify the potential sources of the outbreak across 17 states. So far, the reported cases have not been linked to a single common source. 

Seventeen states have been affected by the spread of cyclosporiasis

As of June 16, 17 states had been affected by the increased spread of cyclosporiasis. These included: 

• Alaska
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

At the time of the report, New York had reported the highest number of cases. However, the CDC noted that the number was likely higher than what was reported. The organization also stated that the infection cases may not be limited to these 17 states with known cases. 

This information did not include the sudden surge in cases in Michigan that occurred at the end of June. 

Individuals who reported being unwell with the infection ranged from 5 to 86 years old, with an average age of 42. Approximately 61% of cases have been seen in females. 

Those who were diagnosed with cyclosporiasis became ill after eating food in the United States. They did not report any travel in the 14 days preceding the onset of symptoms. 

While there have been reports of hospitalizations from the infection, as of the CDC report, there have been no reports of death. 

How cyclosporiasis spreads and how to prevent it

The parasite that causes cyclosporiasis generally spreads when you eat food that is already contaminated with feces. 

It takes 1 to 2 weeks outside of the body for Cyclospora to become infectious after passing in a bowel movement. Because of this, transmission from person to person is unlikely. 

It is not fully known how Cyclospora gets into food and water. The best way to prevent the infection is to avoid eating contaminated foods and drinking contaminated water. 

“In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months,” said the DHHS spokesperson. 

Practicing safe food handling can help avoid contamination. This includes: 

• Washing your hands with soap and water before and after handling and preparing raw fruits and vegetables. 
• Wash all fruits and vegetables under running water before cutting, cooking, or eating. 
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, like melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any damaged or bruised areas before preparing and eating. 
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, but within 2 hours.