Updated
Updated · WRAL News · Jul 6
CDC Reports 20 Cyclospora Hospitalizations as North Carolina Case Count Reaches 110
Updated
Updated · WRAL News · Jul 6

CDC Reports 20 Cyclospora Hospitalizations as North Carolina Case Count Reaches 110

3 articles · Updated · WRAL News · Jul 6

Summary

  • At least 20 Americans have been hospitalized with Cyclospora since May 1, the CDC said in its latest multistate investigation, while North Carolina reported 110 cases with no hospitalizations as of July 6.
  • Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite spread through food or water contaminated with human feces, most often fresh produce eaten raw such as berries, leafy greens and herbs.
  • Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and can include severe watery diarrhea, cramping, nausea and fatigue; confirmation requires a stool test that may need to specifically request Cyclospora.
  • More than 140 cases across 17 states were under CDC review earlier Monday, and investigators still had not identified a specific food source during the May 1-Aug. 31 peak season.

Insights

With over 400 sick nationwide, is a single contaminated food product linking outbreaks from North Carolina to Michigan?
As summer Cyclospora outbreaks become an annual threat, is simply washing produce enough to keep your family safe?
Can advanced DNA tracing find the outbreak's source before the contaminated fresh produce disappears from shelves?