Diarrhoea-causing parasite Cyclospora spreading across US, leaves at least 145 sick, 20 people hospitalised
More than 20 people have been hospitalised after contracting the infection.
A parasite which causes diarrhoea, nausea, and fatigue has left more than 20 people hospitalised.
At least 145 people between the ages of five and 86 have been infected by the parasite called Cyclospora in the US between May 1 and June 16, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, the actual number is expected to be much higher according to unreleased data, as reported by Today.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Usually, the parasite is contracted by consuming water or food contaminated by faeces; however, none of those infected had travelled outside the US recently.
New York is the State that has recorded the most infections, with between 31 and 80 cases.
Other States with recorded infections include Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
So far, 20 people have been hospitalised but no deaths have been reported.
It is believed that the parasite was contracted from food; however, it has not been specified what may be responsible.
Today reported that health officials in the State of Michigan were investigating the “sudden and large” increase in cases.
In the State, it is understood that more than 170 cases have been reported.
“Michigan typically identifies 50 cases a year,” a spokesperson for the Michigan Health Department said.
The Cyclospora parasite is a “nationally notifiable disease” meaning all cases must be reported to the government by health officials.
Symptoms of the parasite usually start about a week after infection and the most common side-effect is “watery diarrhoea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements”, the CDC said.
Other symptoms can include nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, and increased gas.
Vomiting, body aches, head aches, fever, and flu-like symptoms have also been reported but are more rare.
Symptoms can last anywhere between a few days and more than a month.
While the outbreak is significant, the US usually records several hundred cases each year.
