Cyclosporiasis illnesses approach 7,000 amid multistate investigation
The CDC says 1,645 cases are confirmed and 5,100 more are under review, with Michigan reporting the largest state total.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
3 min read
Federal health officials are tracking a nationwide rise in cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic illness that can leave people sick for weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday that 1,645 cases have been confirmed and another 5,100 are being investigated.
The illnesses have been reported in at least 34 states, according to the CDC. The agency said 141 people have been hospitalized since reports began in May, and no deaths have been reported.
Michigan has reported the largest known state total, with 3,309 confirmed cases, state and federal health officials said. The CDC’s national count can trail state figures because the agency must verify cases before adding them to its tally.
New York City’s health department has reported 403 cases, including 374 logged between May and July 10. The CDC also said it suspects at least 400 illnesses in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia may be connected.
Produce remains under review
Investigators have not named a single food product, restaurant, grocery store or distributor as the cause of the illnesses, according to federal health officials. No recalls have been announced.
The Food and Drug Administration said last week that it had opened an investigation. Michigan health officials said interviews with more than 1,000 people who tested positive have pointed to lettuce or salad greens as possible sources.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said contamination often happens where produce is grown or processed. She said distributors can send the same produce to many types of businesses, making it unlikely that one restaurant chain or grocer accounts for all exposures.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, according to the CDC. The parasite can reach produce such as lettuce through contaminated water or unsafe food handling involving human feces.
Past outbreaks have been linked to foods including raspberries, bagged lettuce and salads, cilantro, basil, green onions and snow peas, according to health officials. The CDC says the parasite can be difficult to remove once it is on produce, and there is no evidence that soaking food in vinegar or using commercial vegetable washes is enough to eliminate it.
Symptoms can last for weeks
The CDC says symptoms can begin as long as two weeks after someone eats contaminated food. Early signs may include fatigue, body aches and nausea, followed by severe watery diarrhea that can be difficult to control.
Health officials say the illness is commonly treated with Bactrim, an antibiotic. Without treatment, symptoms can continue for weeks, and patients are urged to drink enough fluids to replace what is lost through diarrhea.
The CDC has advised clinicians and public health departments to watch for additional cases as the investigation continues. Federal and state officials have not said when they expect to identify a source.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.