An ongoing Cyclospora outbreak is affecting thousands across the United States. Newsweek covered a patient’s account that highlighted a surprising symptom unrelated to the common explosive diarrhea associated with the parasite.
Rising Cases Across the Nation
Cases continue to climb, with state health officials reporting numerous infections. Michigan has become the hardest-hit state as of this report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,645 cases in 34 states, with 141 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Additionally, the CDC is reviewing over 5,100 potential cases linked to the outbreak.
Potential Link to Mexican Lettuce
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC revealed that lettuce from Mexico by Taylor Farms might be linked to the outbreak. This prompted a warning against consuming shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell outlets in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Taylor Farms is reportedly preparing to recall related products, though specifics are yet to be shared.
Taco Bell emphasized that public health authorities haven’t confirmed connections to any specific source related to the restaurant.
Symptoms Experienced by Patients
A civil rights lawyer, Chase Strangio, shared his experience after consuming contaminated ingredients in New York. He developed symptoms a week later, initially mistaking them for a stomach virus. Even after recovering from fever and diarrhea, stomach cramps and lack of appetite persisted.
Strangio discovered others who ate the same meals also fell ill. Testing confirmed Cyclospora infection weeks later. His debilitating symptom was severe stomach cramps rather than diarrhea. The illness led to weight loss and required intravenous hydration due to dehydration.
Though recovered, anxiety over raw food consumption lingers for Strangio.
Common Cyclospora Symptoms
The CDC states that cyclosporiasis symptoms can include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Severe fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Intense stomach cramps and bloating
- Nausea and increased gas
Treatment for Cyclospora
Cyclosporiasis treatment involves the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), branded as Bactrim or Septra. The CDC recommends this as the sole effective medication. Adequate hydration is also vital for supporting recovery.
Strangio noted improvement after receiving Bactrim, but colleagues who couldn’t take it faced prolonged sickness.
Origin of Cyclospora
The disease stems from the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, found in human feces contaminating food or water. It’s challenging to remove from fresh produce unless exposed to heat or thorough cooking.
Contamination occurs when crops come in contact with contaminated water or through improper handling during agriculture processes. Infection typically happens through consuming raw contaminated produce but not directly from person to person.
The parasite needs time in the environment to become infectious after leaving the human body.
Contact Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Anthony Murray for further information.