Cyclosporiasis cases increase; what we know and don’t know about the illness

Thousands of people have been sickened by cyclosporiasis around the country, and while the cases increase, there are still several things that officials don’t know.

In Michigan alone, there were more than 2,600 cases on Monday, up more than 1,000 from Friday, well over the typical 50 cases a year, ABC News reported.

At least 44 people have been hospitalized so far.

But Michigan is not alone in seeing an increase in cyclosporiasis cases.

ABC News said that at least 31 states have cases of the illness.

New York had at least 470 cases as of Friday. Ohio had 364.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting over 200 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that causes gastrointestinal symptoms, as infections continue to rise during the summer months, ABC affiliate WTVD reported.

"Nobody wants to be at the grocery store and you really need to run to the bathroom and can't make it, or be in a car not near a rest area," said Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist with UNC Health. "It can really interrupt your normal daily life activities."

While they know where cases are increasing, officials still don’t know what is causing the outbreak.

Past illnesses were caused by imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

But no product has been identified as the source, CNN reported.

According to The Washington Post, the microscopic parasite is one of the largest foodborne illnesses to trace its source, since there is usually a time period between when people eat something contaminated and when they get sick.

People who develop cyclosporiasis may have symptoms including watery diarrhea, cramping, and bloating for several weeks. If they become dehydrated enough, they will have to be admitted to a hospital for treatment.

To prevent getting sick, people should wash produce and cook fruits and vegetables, and avoid going to places such as a public swimming pool, CNN advised.

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