On Wednesday, the Louisiana Department of Health reported that 23 cases, including one hospitalization, are being investigated in connection to cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea.
“Because many of these cases are still under investigation, this number is preliminary and subject to change,” a representative from LDH said. “For comparison, the state has averaged 20 reported cases over the same time period during the past five years.”
Louisiana is one of 29 states investigating outbreaks of the infection. No deaths have been reported, and the source of the cyclospora infections hasn’t been identified.
Cases of cyclosporiasis typically spike in the summer months, with historically active outbreaks in Louisiana between June and August. In the U.S., the cyclosporiasis season is considered May 1 through Aug. 31, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Over the past 20 years, between 1 to 101 cases have been reported annually in Louisiana, with 73 cases reported in 2023.
“Dying from cyclospora is extremely rare,” said Dr. Obinna Nnedu, an infectious disease physician at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. “Where people feel really bad is when they feel dehydrated.”
Nationally, there have been record-breaking spikes in both Michigan and Ohio. Although Michigan state officials first announced the outbreak last week, they were only aware of 170 cases.
On Wednesday, Michigan reported 992 cases, including 40 hospitalizations. Ohio reported over 177 cases, with 28 hospitalizations, shortly after.
“I certainly don’t want (Louisianans) to start panicking,” Nnedu said. “Our Centers for Disease Control is going to be looking into these cases to see if they are linked, and specifically what the exposures are.”
What is cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements,” according to the CDC. The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics.
As far as epidemiologists know, humans are the only species that can contract cyclosporiasis.
The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. In the past, people have been infected by consuming fruits or vegetables that were exposed to feces-contaminated irrigation water.
The rates of cyclosporiasis cases are generally higher in developing countries, according to Nnedu, and some previous outbreaks of the illness were linked to imported produce.
The following foods have been specifically linked to previous cyclospora outbreaks in the United States and Canada:
Bagged salad mixes and kits (pre-cut lettuce blends with romaine, iceberg, red cabbage, carrots)
Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
Fresh basil
Raspberries
Snow peas
Green onions (scallions)
People with diarrhea that hasn’t resolved on its own within a few days should see a health provider and discuss the possibility of cyclospora, officials say.
“If a diarrhea is prolonged, that goes on for more than two days unstopped, you may want to talk with your physician,” Nnedu said.
Continue to watch out for other symptoms as well, like abdominal pain and nausea.
Investigations can take months to determine where contaminated food came from and sometimes fail to find a clear source of the parasitic infection.
The best way to prevent infection with a parasite is to avoid food or water that may have been contaminated.
Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed before being eaten, especially for those immunocompromised who are at a greater risk of infection. But be aware that cyclospora can really stick to some foods, so washing may not eliminate the risk of infection.
They also say to cook vegetables when possible, and practice standard good hygiene before meals.