Louisiana Reports 68 Cyclospora Cases and 6 Hospitalizations as Summer Season Intensifies
Updated
Updated · WAFB · Jul 21
Louisiana Reports 68 Cyclospora Cases and 6 Hospitalizations as Summer Season Intensifies
3 articles · Updated · WAFB · Jul 21
Summary
Louisiana logged 68 cyclosporiasis cases and six hospitalizations on July 21, up from 55 cases and five hospitalizations a week earlier; no deaths have been reported.
May through August is the peak season for Cyclospora, a parasite that typically causes symptoms about a week after infection and can leave untreated patients sick for a month or longer.
CDC-listed symptoms include watery diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue, and state officials urged anyone with symptoms to contact a healthcare provider.
Health investigators may ask patients what they ate in the two weeks before illness as they track exposure, while the CDC advises thorough produce washing and prompt refrigeration of cut fruits and vegetables.
The Louisiana increase comes as more than 1,600 Cyclospora cases have been reported across more than 30 states, with the state's next update expected Thursday.