This month, there has been a massive spike in cases of the diarrhea causing bug Cyclospora. Now more than 3,000 cases of the outbreak have been recorded in Michigan and Ohio. And it seems like American health authorities might have pinpointed a source.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Outbreak Cases Cross 3,000 in Michigan & Ohio
There has been a massive rise in cases of the Cyclospora outbreak in Michigan and Ohio. While the outbreak has affected 30 American states, the impact has been particularly bad for the midwestern states of Michigan and Ohio.
Latest estimates suggest that over 3,000 cases of Cyclospora have been reported from just these 2 states. In Michigan, there have been 2640 cases this week, including 44 instances of hospitalisation. While in Ohio, there have been 361 Cyclospora cases since the start of June. Some health experts believe that the actual figure is higher, as many may seek self treatment
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Is Lettuce to Blame?
No official source of the outbreak has been publicly identified yet. But Michigan authorities are considering that lettuce & other salad greens might be potential sources of the outbreak.
“Early information has shown lettuce as a common product that regularly comes up during the investigation,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said in a statement. However it is important to note that this is based on preliminary findings and might change later. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the main health agency in the US is also conducting a probe into the outbreak, which spreads through contaminated food or water.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The disease spreads through indirect human to human transmission. And its symptoms commonly start to show a week after getting infected.
Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Symptoms & Treatment
The common symptoms of Cyclospora include:
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Watery Diarrhea (The most common symptom often frequent and severe).
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Stomach Cramps that include Sharp pain, bloating, and increased gas.
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Loss of Appetite:
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Severe Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and muscle aches.
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Rapid weight loss.
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Nausea & Vomiting due to an upset stomach.
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Low-Grade Fever
Healthcare providers generally prescribe trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP SMX) during treatment, so antibiotics are a good remedy. While those with healthy immune systems can recover without medicine.
American Authorities Response to Cyclospora Outbreak
American authorities are treating the Cyclospora outbreak with urgency. In some states, health clinics have been set up to fast track efforts. Consumers have also been urged to opt for whole greens rather than ‘ready-to-eat’ variants.
