(NewsNation) — Federal health officials are working to determine what is behind a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that has been reported in multiple states across the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 145 cases have been identified in 17 states. Twenty people have required hospitalization after developing severe symptoms. Investigators are also looking into several illness clusters, including reports in New York, Illinois and Texas.
(Source: CDC)
According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by a parasite. Infection typically occurs when a person consumes food or water contaminated with the parasite.
Although cyclosporiasis is generally not considered life-threatening, it can cause significant illness. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and vomiting, with frequent — and sometimes explosive — watery diarrhea being the most common sign. Without antibiotic treatment, the illness can persist for several days or more than a month, and symptoms may disappear only to return later.
The CDC notes that the risk of infection is higher for people who live in or travel to tropical and subtropical areas, where the parasite is more commonly found. In the current outbreak, however, only 45 patients reported traveling outside the United States before becoming ill. That has led health officials to suspect a foodborne source within the U.S., though the specific cause has not yet been identified.
