Poop Parasite Causes Hundreds Of Cases Of Explosive Diarrhea

The CDC is currently conducting a nationwide investigation into a parasitic infection that has affected hundreds of people across 17 states in the U.S. The outbreak, which has sickened at least 145 individuals, is believed to be linked to contaminated fresh produce that has come into contact with human feces.

The reported cases of illness occurred between May 1st and June 16th of this year, with 20 people having been hospitalized but no deaths reported as of now. The CDC, along with state health departments and the FDA, are working tirelessly to identify the source of the infection, but have yet to pinpoint a specific culprit.

The parasite responsible for the infection, Cyclospora cayetanensis, causes a condition known as cyclosporiasis, which manifests as watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, fever, weight loss, and muscle pain. While most healthy individuals recover without treatment, it can take several weeks to fully recover. Treatment with an anti-parasitic drug called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is usually effective.

Previous outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. have been linked to contaminated fresh produce such as leafy greens, basil, cilantro, raspberries, and packaged salad mixes. The CDC advises that washing fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of infection, but cooking is the only surefire way to kill the parasite.

Michigan has seen a significant surge in cyclosporiasis cases, with over 170 infections reported across seven counties, a number far exceeding the typical annual total for the state. It is unclear if these cases are related to the broader CDC investigation or if they represent a separate outbreak from a different source.

While cyclosporiasis is relatively uncommon compared to other forms of food poisoning, large outbreaks have occurred in recent years. In 2018, 761 confirmed illnesses were linked to contaminated fresh produce, and in 2020, an outbreak was traced back to bagged salad mixes.

As the investigation continues, the CDC is urging healthcare providers to consider cyclosporiasis in patients with persistent diarrhea and advising individuals to seek medical attention if symptoms develop after consuming fresh produce.