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2 people die in Michigan Cyclospora outbreak
Two people have died in Michigan as a result of the state's Cyclospora outbreak. Dr. Evan Nadler of George Washington University joined Bowen Kedrowicz on LiveNOW from FOX with the latest on the outbreak and how you can stay safe.
The largest foodborne outbreak of its kind in history has expanded, with three additional states now reporting cases of cyclosporiasis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration said its staffers are continuing to inspect and test produce at a farm in central Mexico operated by Taylor Farms, a major U.S. produce supplier. The farm has been the focus of the cyclosporiasis investigation.
Cyclosporiasis cases by state
Local perspective:
The FDA said government scientists have now identified cases in three additional states: Georgia, Tennessee and Texas. That brings the total number of states to 20.
By the numbers:
The tally of people sickened by the parasite is now 11,458, up from about 10,900 reported last week, according to the FDA. Earlier this week, the CDC reported far higher numbers: about 29,000 confirmed or suspected cyclospora cases in the U.S. this year, with 922 hospitalizations, according to the agency. Previously, the worst year in the U.S. for infections was 2019, when about 4,700 illnesses were reported nationally.
RELATED: Cyclosporiasis outbreak deaths: 2 dead in Michigan as cases continue to climb
Michigan has been hit the hardest, with more than 14,000 cases and two related deaths, both in people with underlying health conditions.
What is cyclosporiasis?
The backstory:
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea "with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements," according to the CDC. Outbreaks tend to occur most often in the late spring and summer.
The heat-loving parasite infects the bowels and spreads through feces. The illness, called cyclosporiasis, is less common than foodborne illnesses caused by other germs, including salmonella and E. coli. Many cyclospora cases are never linked to a specific food or other source.
Cyclospora parasite (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
What they're saying:
The FDA said it "remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific cyclospora outbreak is off the market."
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Cyclosporiasis outbreak explained
Epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University Dr. Caitlin Rivers joins LiveNOW from FOX's Christy Matino to explain the efforts that go in to preventing the spread of the cyclosporiasis parasite.
Cyclosporiasis symptoms
Timeline:
Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Nausea (vomiting is less common)
- Low-grade fever
For people who don’t get treatment, health experts say the illness may last for a few days to over a month. Symptoms could go away and then return one or more times.
The Source: This article includes information from the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Reuters, The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting.