Updated

Updated · WTOP · Jul 8

Cyclospora Outbreak Reaches Virginia and Maryland as CDC Logged 145 Cases in 17 States

Updated

Updated · WTOP · Jul 8

Cyclospora Outbreak Reaches Virginia and Maryland as CDC Logged 145 Cases in 17 States

2 articles · Updated · WTOP · Jul 8

Virginia reported 10 cyclosporiasis cases by July 7, and Maryland confirmed one case the same day, extending the multistate outbreak to both states.
Cyclospora spreads mainly through contaminated produce or water, not person-to-person, and the CDC has not identified a single source because symptoms can appear two days to two weeks after exposure.
145 cases in 17 states had been reported to the CDC from May 1 through June 16, while Michigan has since logged nearly 1,000 cases and northwest Ohio more than 400.
Doctors say the true count is likely higher because confirmation usually requires a stool sample and many infections are mild or symptom-free, though severe diarrhea should be treated with antibiotics.
Washing fruits and vegetables can reduce risk but may not fully remove the parasite, leaving early food-supply contamination control central to stopping the outbreak.

Sources

As a parasite outbreak spreads through produce, is simply washing your fruits and vegetables enough to keep you safe?

A parasite is sickening thousands across the U.S. Why are investigators still unable to find the contaminated food source?

As a severe intestinal illness spreads, could a future CDC policy change leave Americans more vulnerable to outbreaks?

2 total