Nasty, diarrhea-causing parasite sweeps US as thousands of cases are reported coast to coast
Of the 31 states tracking infections, Michigan remains the hardest hit, with health officials logging a staggering 3,309 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 14.
CDC investigating source of cyclospora infection and outbreak in the United States
The U.S. is experiencing a cyclospora infection outbreak with symptoms including bowel issues, cramps and bloating. Dr. Donald Dumford, an infectious disease specialist and a physician at the Cleveland Clinic, joins FOX Weather with the latest.
The Cyclospora outbreak is making its way across the country, now sickening thousands of people in more than 30 states from coast to coast.
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The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection known for triggering explosive, watery diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, bloating, and gas.
Cyclosporiasis vector icon set. Medical icons.
(Alexander Ryabintsev / Getty Images)
Of the 31 states tracking infections, Michigan remains the hardest hit, with health officials logging a staggering 3,309 cases of cyclosporiasis as of July 14.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) only reports 843 cases as of July 9, the discrepancy lies in the fact that federal data operates on a massive delay.
Oocyst of C. cayetanensis.
(CDC)
"We assume a 6-week reporting lag between illness onset and case reporting to CDC; therefore, we anticipate that case counts will continue to rise as data are received," the CDC stated.
That delay is highly apparent when looking at the real-time numbers coming directly from state and local health agencies.
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Between the 3,309 cases reported in Michigan, the 397 cases officially confirmed by the Ohio Department of Health, and the 470 cases identified by health officials across New York State, the total count across just these three areas easily puts the actual U.S. total over 4,000 cases.
Patient consulting doctor about abdominal pain during a medical examination
(apichat panyakaew / Getty Images)
And that is just three states. When you factor in the remaining 28 states currently tracking the parasite, the true scale of the outbreak could be much larger.
While the vast majority of infections are concentrated in the Midwest and East Coast, the parasite has officially crossed the country, with Western states like Colorado, Utah, and California reporting cases, although in much lesser numbers.
Both state and federal health agencies are warning the public to take precautions. Get a full detailed list of how to protect yourself from contracting Cyclospora at the link below.
Traceback investigations are actively being conducted regarding this year's massive spike.