There are a large number of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases across 34 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More specifically, the agency received 1,645 confirmed cases of the stomach bug caused by the parasite Cyclospora reported by the states to the CDC. Because this figure represents what is reported by the state, it is believed the true number of cases is likely to be much higher.
There is also a lag between symptom onset and reporting. Furthermore, some people recover from the stomach bug without seeking medical treatment.
State and federal partners are working with the agency “to investigate several outbreaks of cyclosporiasis. Investigations to identify and confirm the sources of the outbreaks are ongoing,” says the CDC. According to the CDC, as of Thursday, there have been 141 hospitalizations nationwide and no deaths
The stomach bug is a nationally notifiable disease and is reportable in 47 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia. For example, as of Tuesday, Michigan reported 3,309 cyclosporiasis cases.
Furthermore, health officials are also investigating several clusters of cases that may be epidemiologically linked, including a multistate outbreak that includes at least four states: Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Symptoms of the Stomach Bug
You should see your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis. Symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea, cramping, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, bloating, and weight loss. Your physician can test and treat you for the stomach bug. Cyclosporiasis symptoms usually begin about one week after becoming infected (ranging from two days to two weeks or more) after drinking or consuming something containing Cyclospora.
Without treatment, the stomach bug symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a month or longer. Furthermore, some of the symptoms, like diarrhea, may go away and then return. Other symptoms, like fatigue, may stay long after symptoms have ended.
By Sheena
Sources:
CDC: Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis
NPR: What to know about cyclosporiasis, the intestinal illness hitting the U.S.
Image by James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Courtesy of Wikimedia – Public Domain
