Baws, be on the look out for diarrhea parasite spreading in the US

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A stomach-churning parasite that causes explosive, watery diarrhea has sickened over 140 people across multiple states — with the highest number of cases in New York.

According to the CDC, 145 people ranging in age from 5 to 86 years and from 20 states contracted the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis between May and June 16, with 20 hospitalized.

Fortunately, there have not yet been any deaths.

Since none of the patients had traveled recently, officials believe the cause is food — although they’re unsure of the exact source.

The cyclospora parasite causes cyclosporiasis, a type of food poisoning that leads to diarrhea, severe cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

This infection is usually contracted during travel outside the United States, as a result of consuming food or water that’s been contaminated with feces. It is more common in tropical areas.

None of the current US patients, however, reported taking any recent trips.

There’s also no evidence that it can be spread from human to human, leading the CDC to believe the patients became sick after eating food in the US.

“Local, state, and federal (CDC, FDA) public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases in more than one state. Investigations to identify potential sources are ongoing,” the agency reported.

Since there may be patients who haven’t been diagnosed, the actual number of cyclosporiasis cases is likely higher than initially reported — and it’s likely present in states besides those that have been reported.

In addition to New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., the current states with reported cases include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, and Alaska.

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