Delaware has reported its first case of cyclosporiasis this week, as the parasitic infection continues to spread across the nation.
The FDA has traced this outbreak back to shredded iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Farms.
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Health officials indicate that the affected food has likely already been consumed or removed from stores, yet symptoms can take some time to manifest, which means more cases may still be reported.
This news comes as the FDA is looking into another potential cyclosporiasis outbreak. So far, they haven’t pinpointed the source or location, but there are at least 72 cases linked to this recent cluster.
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What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, known simply as Cyclospora, according to the CDC.
This infection impacts the small intestine and can result in watery diarrhea, often described as “explosive” bowel movements, as stated by the health agency.
Other symptoms might include cramping, bloating, low-grade fever, nausea, and vomiting.
According to the CDC, symptoms typically appear about a week after infection, but this period can vary from two days to two weeks.
How it spreads
The parasite primarily spreads through food or water that has been contaminated with feces, the CDC explains.
Previous outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been associated with various imported fresh produce items, including raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro, according to the CDC.
How the infection is diagnosed
Healthcare providers diagnose cyclosporiasis by analyzing stool samples, as the CDC mentions.
Patients may need to provide multiple stool samples on different days to reliably identify the parasite since lab tests can struggle to detect Cyclospora.
A healthcare provider must specifically ask for testing for this parasite, as noted by the CDC.
How cyclosporiasis is treated
Cyclosporiasis is typically treated with the oral antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), commonly known as Bactrim, Septra, or Cotrim, taken over ten days, according to the CDC.
While most healthy individuals recover without treatment, those who don’t receive care might experience illness for days to over a month.
How to prevent infection
The exact methods of Cyclospora contamination in food and water are not entirely clear, according to the CDC.
The agency suggests that individuals can help prevent infection by thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, removing any bruised or damaged areas, and keeping pre-cut or prepared produce refrigerated.
Additionally, the CDC advises people to wash their hands well with soap and water prior to handling raw produce.
