Home / Health / Parasite Outbreak Sickens 145 Across 17 States
Parasite Outbreak Sickens 145 Across 17 States
2 Jul
Summary
- At least 145 people across 17 states are infected with a parasitic outbreak.
- Twenty individuals have been hospitalized due to the cyclosporiasis infection.
- Health officials are actively investigating the source of the outbreak.
A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis has impacted at least 145 individuals across 17 U.S. states, with health authorities urgently seeking its origin. The microscopic parasite Cyclospora causes this gastrointestinal infection, leading to severe diarrhea and other symptoms. Twenty people have been hospitalized as of this report, underscoring the severity of the outbreak.
While cyclosporiasis is often associated with tropical regions, these cases were contracted from food consumed within the United States. New York has reported the highest number of cases, with neighboring states also affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is coordinating investigations with local, state, and federal agencies to identify the source.
The parasite infects the small intestine, causing unpleasant gastrointestinal issues. Most individuals recover without specific treatment, but the CDC notes that the actual number of infections is likely higher due to unreported cases. The investigation into potential sources is ongoing, with no definitive causes identified yet.
