According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite commonly called Cyclosporiasis has spread to 15 states, but not California.
This illness presents as “flu-like” symptoms and is spread by ingesting food or water contaminated by feces. In the past, cyclospora has been linked to imported fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms can last from a few days up to a month and often show up as violent diarrhoea and can include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps and nausea.
As of today’s date, the CDC website has recorded 378 cases of people infected with the largest number in Iowa, 140, and the second largest number in Nebraska, 71. Other states include Texas, George, Connecticut, Minnesota, Florida, New York City, Wisconsin, Missouri, New Jersey, Montana, Arkansas, Illinois and Ohio.
CDC reports that it is believed the parasite is consumed through food and/or water and it is currently unclear if these statistics are all part of the same outbreak.
Tricia Landquist, Public Information & Communications officer for the Orange County Health Care Agency said, “According to our Epidemiology and Assessment Division, we have had no human cases of cyclospora in Orange County for at least two years.”
Tamara Sharp, Director of PR & Marketing at Mission Hospital reports that they have seen no cases of the cyclospora parasite, which is classified as a foodborne illness, in their hospital just “salmonella cases (also foodborne) which is normal for the summertime.”
Director, Public Relations at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Denise Almazan said, “It appears that neither of our hospital campuses - CHOC Children's Hospital or CHOC Children's at Mission Hospital - has recorded any cases of cyclospora.”
On July 31 the Huffington Post reported that “health officials in Iowa and Nebraska identified pre-packaged salad mix as the source.” They also stated that it was unclear “whether cyclospora outbreaks elsewhere in the U.S. are also linked to that produce.”
A brand was not identified. Nebraska health officials are working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to identify the source.
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website states it “will continue to work with its federal, state and local partners” to determine the source of this parasite and whether the multiple-state incidents are related.
To date there have been zero reported deaths and 21 hospitalizations related to this cyclospora outbreak according to the CDC. The parasite typically shows up within one week, so if you have traveled to these states and are experiencing symptoms, it is advised to seek medical attention.
More information on Cyclospora:
FDA http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm361637.htm
CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/investigation-2013.html
