Oklahoma’s confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis increase to over 400 so far this year
The Oklahoma State Department of Health also says there have been 25 hospitalizations due to cyclosporiasis
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports that more than 400 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in the state since the start of the year.
>> Related Video Above: Michigan health officials report 2 deaths in Cyclospora outbreak
The OSDH dashboard says there have been 418 confirmed cases and eight probable cases of the bacterial infection. There have also been 25 hospitalizations so far this year, and no deaths have been reported in Oklahoma.
More than 100 new cases have been reported in Oklahoma since last week’s numbers were released, when there were 298 confirmed cases and five probable cases.
The latest numbers come after the first two deaths from the cyclosporiasis outbreak were announced and the case number count increased to more than 22,000 nationwide. The Michigan Department of Health announced that two people died from the infection.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. The illness can come from eating unwashed produce and causes watery diarrhea, fatigue, dehydration, nausea, and vomiting.
Cyclospora infections are seasonal, with cases rising in spring and summer. The cyclosporiasis season runs from May 1 to Aug. 31.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
According to the CDC, common symptoms include watery diarrhea (most common), loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Less common symptoms include vomiting, body aches, headache, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms.
For most people, cyclosporiasis lasts for days, but some with persistent or severe infections may need antibiotics to clear it.
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Where does it come from?
FDA investigations of foodborne illness outbreaks have recorded 21 cases related to Cyclospora outbreaks since 2013. The most common food items are fresh herbs and leafy vegetables found in salad mixes.
The parasite has been found in fresh produce such as:
ParsleyCilantroSnow peasMesclun lettuceSpinachSalad mixesRaspberries, blueberries, and blackberries Which food has been linked to past Cyclospora outbreaks?How to prevent Cyclospora?
The CDC has these prevention tips people can follow to help prevent foodborne illness related to fresh produce:
WashWash hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.PrepareWash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be washed again at home.Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.StoreRefrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible, within two hours.
There is currently no evidence of a single multistate Cyclospora outbreak linking all cases.
But in recent years, the CDC says the number of reported U.S. cases has been increasing as the parasite has been found on domestically grown produce.
“We’re seeing now this year an acceleration of food-related illness in the United States. We don’t have a single explanation for it. It’s not clear if it is coming from farms or if there are other sources involved,” Goldberg said.