Parasite that causes 'explosive' diarrhea spreading across U.S.
· Toronto Sun
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Some Americans are spending a little extra time on the toilet.
This summer, U.S. health officials have noted a higher-than-normal number of cases across several states of a parasite that can cause “explosive diarrhea” in humans.
“People who are infected with Cyclospora may or may not experience symptoms,” the CDC says in an overview of the illness .
“Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.”
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Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 145 cases as of June 16 of the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis. Among those infected were 20 hospitalizations.
“These people became sick after eating food in the United States and did not report any travel during the 14 days before they got sick,” the CDC said .
U.S. officials say cases have been reported in 17 states with no deaths.
Where has it been reported?
According to CNN , an email sent by the CDC to its partners at the state and local levels said investigations have been launched after clusters of cases were reported in Illinois, New York City, New York state, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Some of the cases are linked to Mexican-style restaurants, a grocery chain, and a catered event.
Other smaller clusters have been reported in Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Officials said an additional 45 cases were reported by people who ate food or drank water that made them sick while they were travelling outside the country, which left three hospitalized.
What is possibly causing infections?
The CDC says cases typically rise during the spring and summer and are mainly linked to various types of fresh produce that originate from tropical or subtropical areas.
The Food and Drug Administration is tracing the origins of white and green onions, cucumbers and cilantro to narrow down potential sources of the illness, the CNN report said.
The parasite is usually found in food or water that is contaminated with feces.
How to protect yourself
Health Canada says people who travel to a country where Cyclospora is found should avoid eating food that has been washed in local drinking water, and only drink water from a safe source.
In addition, food should be fully cooked and fruit can be eaten if you can peel it yourself.
“It can be hard to prevent cyclosporiasis,” Health Canada says. “This is because washing produce does not always get rid of the Cyclospora parasite that causes the illness.”
While Cyclospora cases in Canada are mainly due to food imported from countries where the parasite is found, infections can also be linked to homegrown produce during the spring and summer months.