Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak Sparks Urgent Investigation: What's Behind the Surge?

It has been announced that US health officials are researching a dangerous parasite following a new outbreak of Cyclospora , which can cause prolonged periods of diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems. The US Food and Drug Administration is working with state and local health authorities to determine how people became infected and whether there is a common source behind the illnesses. Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that can infect people who consume contaminated food or water. An infection with the parasite can cause watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite . Symptoms can last for weeks or even months if the infection is left untreated. Cyclospora cayetanensis causes explosive, watery diarrhea. Credit: CDC The parasite thrives in fruit and vegetables The parasite is usually found in fresh produce, although identifying the exact source of an outbreak is often difficult because symptoms of the infection often begin days or weeks after consuming the parasite. Health investigators are now examining cases of infection in an effort to establish whether there is a common food source that the parasites are found in. The outbreak that has prompted this investigation is not currently known to have started with one specific food product. Cyclospora infections are generally treatable with medication, and most people recover fairly quickly. However, prolonged diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and may be particularly serious for older adults, young children and people with weak immune systems . The investigation comes as health authorities continue to monitor cyclospora infections across the United States, where cases tend to increase during the warmer months. Many people have been affected by the explosive diarrhea outbreak. Credit: Sora Shimazaki / Pexels Health officials are urging people to report cases of infection Officials are urging people experiencing persistent diarrhoea or other symptoms associated with cyclospora to report their case to a healthcare provider. Laboratory testing may be needed to confirm an infection because the parasite cannot always be identified through routine testing. Health agencies have not advised consumers to avoid fresh produce, but have instead encouraged people to follow standard food safety measures. For the best chance of avoiding the nasty parasite, experts recommend washing produce thoroughly under running water, keeping food preparation areas clean and avoiding cross-contamination. Investigators will continue to track cases and analyse available information as they search for the source of the outbreak. If a specific food or product is identified, officials could issue additional warnings or take steps to remove potentially contaminated items from the market. Cyclospora is thankfully not spread directly from person to person because the parasite generally requires time outside the body before it becomes infectious. The FDA and other public health authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses. Featured image credit: CDC