ORLANDO, Fla. – The microscopic parasite known as Cyclospora cayetanensis is making its presence felt across the United States, with a notable surge in cases reported in Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This parasite is the culprit behind the intestinal condition “cyclosporiasis,” characterized by severe watery diarrhea which can sometimes result in violent, explosive bowel movements.
Health experts have pinpointed the spread of Cyclospora to the consumption of food or water contaminated by fecal matter.
In the United States, the CDC identified links between cyclosporiasis outbreaks and a variety of fresh produce items.
The outbreak season for cyclosporiasis officially begins on May 1 and is expected to continue until August 31.
Reported incidents ramped up significantly last month, though, with nearly 300 cases being reported statewide.
“The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported,” the CDC’s website reads. “This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.”
Anyone who experiences symptoms of Cyclospora infection is urged to contact their healthcare provider, though health officials have assured that most people with healthy immune symptoms will eventually recover from cyclosporiasis even without treatment.
For more information on cyclosporiasis and its symptoms, visit the CDC’s website here.