United States health authorities are struggling to identify the source of a foodborne illness that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. At least 145 people across 17 states have tested positive for the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite.

“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,” according to officials.

The outbreak started back in May and has continued to spread. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has acknowledged that there are likely far more cases that are going undiagnosed.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Most healthy people will eventually recover from cyclosporiasis without treatment, although their illness may be prolonged.

Twenty people have been hospitalized during the current outbreak since early May, although no fatalities have been reported.

The illness from this parasitic infection typically causes explosive, watery diarrhea, along with a range of other gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, gas, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Some people also report fatigue and fever, while others develop no symptoms at all, accoridng to a report by RT. 

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Symptoms appear about one week after exposure to the parasite. An infection occurs after consuming food or water contaminated with feces. Without treatment, the diarrhea can persist for over a month, dramatically impacting everyday life.

While this parasitic infection is treatable, it is not usually detected by laboratory tests. This means that many cases are going undetected, and the source of the infection is difficult for health authorities to pinpoint. The good news is that there is no evidence that the parasite is capable of human-to-human transmission.

Previous outbreaks have been linked to vegetables and fruits imported from Mexico, including cilantro, raspberries, sweet peas, lettuce, and basil.

Recommendations from the CDC include washing your hands regularly and rinsing leafy greens with cold running water.

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