Alabama has reported 85 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, with 61 of those cases in the Northern Alabama District. West Alabama has only two documented cases since the first cases were confirmed in the state on July 15th.
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic single-celled parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It leads to watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fatigue, and spreads through contaminated food or water. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommends washing hands and fresh produce thoroughly, cooking produce to at least 158°F (70°C) to kill the parasite, and storing produce and fruits in the refrigerator.
Nationally, there are at least 6,707 confirmed cases, with potentially 18,000+ total unconfirmed or under-investigated cases. Two deaths have been confirmed in Michigan. The ADPH urges clinicians to request specific Cyclospora testing, which is not included in routine stool exams.
In Alabama, 22 cases are linked to two Mexican-style restaurant outbreaks, four cases are linked to the Taco Bell multistate iceberg lettuce outbreak, and eight cases are tied to international travel. The ADPH provides regular updates on the outbreak and recommends that individuals stay informed about food recalls and outbreak alerts.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
