Suspected infections from a parasite known to trigger intense stomach and intestinal illness are believed to have doubled, as health authorities work to identify where the outbreak began.
The CDC says 145 people across 17 states have been infected with the cyclospora parasite from a source that has not yet been determined, with 20 patients requiring hospital care.
But in Michigan, state health officials are reporting more than 150 illnesses in that state alone. Michigan had not recorded any cases in the CDC’s June 18 update.
Because none of the patients have reported recent travel, investigators suspect the infections may be linked to contaminated food.
Cyclospora causes cyclosporiasis, an illness marked by abrupt and often severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
The CDC said: ‘Local, state and federal (CDC, FDA) public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases in more than one state. Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing.’
Officials caution that the true number of infections may be higher, since some people who become ill may never seek care or undergo testing for the parasite.
Cyclosporiasis spreads when people consume food or drinks contaminated with the parasite, frequently through fecal matter. Symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure.
The cyclospora parasite (pictured above) causes cyclosporiasis, an infection that leads to diarrhea, severe cramping, nausea and vomiting and fatigue
In the current outbreak, New York is experiencing the most cases, between 31 and 80, according to the CDC’s report from last month. However, Michigan state officials are now reporting more than 150 cases in the state
Human-to-human transmission is rare.
As of June 16, the CDC reports 145 cases in people aged five to 86. The illnesses range from May 1 to June 6. No deaths have been reported.
In Michigan, state officials told the Detroit Free Press the first case was identified on June 22 and in the eight following days, dozens of more cases have been identified.
More than a dozen Michigan residents have been hospitalized with the infection.
Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said: ‘MDHHS is working with local health department[s] in southeastern Michigan to investigate a sudden and large increase in cyclospora cases and identify a common exposure.
‘The department is coordinating the multi-jurisdictional investigation, assisting in case interviews. At this time, the source or sources have not yet been identified.’
The state health department issued a health alert to medical providers about the outbreak and is working with the CDC on its investigation.
Sutfin added: ‘Individuals concerned about sudden gastrointestinal illness should contact a healthcare provider.
‘Individuals experiencing diarrheal illness or vomiting are encouraged to hydrate, particularly during the high temperatures expected this week.’
If not treated, cyclosporiasis could last for more than a month, with symptoms subsiding and reappearing multiple times.
To prevent cyclosporiasis, the CDC recommends avoiding consuming food or water at risk of contamination with feces and following general food safety preparation guidelines.
Treatment consists of a course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which is sold as Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim.
Most people with a healthy immune system will recover without any treatment.
Cases of cyclosporiasis tend to rise between May and August and it is more common in people returning to the US from foreign travel.
In the current outbreak, according to the CDC’s report, New York is experiencing the most cases, between 31 and 80.
It is possible there are more undiagnosed cases of the infection, as not everyone who contracts the parasite gets tested or treated for it
Texas and Illinois are experiencing the second-most cases, between 11 and 30.
The remaining 14 states with cases are experiencing between one and ten cases in each.
Previous outbreaks have been linked to bagged salad kits, cilantro, basil and other leafy green produce – though no source or suspected source has been identified in this outbreak.
An additional 45 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in people who ate or drank food or water that made them sick while traveling outside of the US.
These patients range in age from 17 to 89 years old.
Of the 45 patients, three have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
The CDC did not reveal where the patients had reported recent travel.
