USA: Parasite causes unpleasant diarrheal symptoms

New York (USA) – A nasty parasite is infecting the USA: Hundreds of people are suddenly suffering from “explosive diarrhea”! The number of infections is increasing, with residents in 31 of 50 states becoming infected with the pathogen. The symptoms can last for weeks.

The parasite’s awkward name is: “Cyclospora cayetanensis”. For those infected, the pathogen causes watery diarrhea that lasts for weeks. It is usually not transmitted directly from person to person, but rather through food contaminated with feces. This includes fruit and vegetables, but also water, according to the US health authority CDC.

The cause of the outbreak is still unclear

According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, the center of the outbreak is the US state of Michigan in the Midwest. More than 1,500 cases have already been registered here. From there, the parasite apparently spread to many other states. However, it is unclear what the source of the current outbreak was.

“Cyclospora affects the small intestine, usually causing watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive stools,” the U.S. health agency wrote in a statement. If left untreated, diarrhea can last up to more than a month. In addition, infection can quickly lead to dehydration, warn US authorities. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and weight loss. An infection can be caused with common Antibiotic treat.

Infections especially in summer

Cyclospora outbreaks usually occur in Sommer and are often associated with the consumption of contaminated fresh vegetables or fruit. These include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, basil, coriander, snow peas, snow peas and others Vegetableswho came into contact with faecally contaminated irrigation water.

The “Bloomberg” agency also reports that the Michigan health authority has recommended that the population avoid eating packaged salad for the time being and to wash basil, coriander and raspberries thoroughly as a precaution.