A parasitic illness causing severe diarrhoea has spread to nearly 7,000 people in the US
An illness that causes ‘explosive diarrhoea’ is causing increasing concern as it spreads rapidly across the United States, with experts not yet sure of the root cause.
The outbreak of cyclosporiasis – an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Cyclospora – has now reached 34 states and made close to 7,000 people ill, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At least 145 people have been hospitalised, and a further 5,100 cases are still being investigated.
Thankfully for those worried about cyclosporiasis in the UK, the parasite isn’t found here, instead being caught by those travelling abroad. The parasite also cannot be spread from person to person, but with large numbers of Brits currently visiting the US for the World Cup, there are growing concerns that UK travellers could catch the illness.
What is cyclosporiasis?
The infection itself is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. You catch it by eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the parasite, with past outbreaks frequently connected to fresh produce such as salads, herbs, raspberries and lettuce that has not been properly washed or cooked, according to the Guardian.
Unlike contagious diseases like Covid-19, you cannot catch it from being near someone who has it, only from consuming contaminated food or drink. The main symptom of cyclosporiasis is frequent, watery diarrhoea that can be explosive and very uncomfortable. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Most people recover on their own within a few days or weeks, though people with weakened immune systems may become more seriously ill. In severe cases, antibiotics are needed.
Why is it so difficult to find the source of the outbreak?
Unlike more common types of food poisoning which can strike within hours of eating bad food, cyclosporiasis symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear, making it incredibly difficult to trace the parasite’s origins.
In a bid to find the source, everyone who has tested positive for the illness would have to be interviewed and asked to recall what they ate in the two weeks prior. Then, testers would need to wash significant quantities of potentially contaminated produce, before collecting and test the run-off for traces of the parasite.
Speaking to the BBC, Steven Manderach, executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials, said finding the source of this outbreak has proven particularly difficult, comparing it to looking for “a microscopic portion of a needle in a haystack”. The situation has been made even more complex thanks to a combination of an incredibly time-consuming testing process and a lack of public health funding following Trump administration cuts, which have impacted the country’s ability to monitor and investigate outbreaks.
Thankfully some progress has been made, with officials in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky confirming a link between cases, despite the precise source not yet being identified. Health officials in Michigan have suggested lettuce may be a potential source, specifically lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in the state.
Should people in the UK be worried?
For most people in the UK who are not travelling to the US in the next few weeks, the risk is low. Cyclosporiasis is not something that spreads from person to person, so there is no risk of catching it from someone who has recently returned from America.
However, if you are planning to travel to the US, it is worth being cautious when consuming fresh produce. Health officials recommend thoroughly washing all fresh fruit and vegetables or, ideally, cooking them.
The parasite is also found in parts of Central and South America, south and south-east Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. If you are travelling to any of these regions, the NHS suggests doing the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water or use alcohol hand gel
- Drink only bottled, boiled or purified water
- Eat food that has been thoroughly cooked
- Stick to fruit you can peel yourself, such as bananas or oranges
- Drink hot drinks made with boiling water, or drinks from sealed cans or bottles
The NHS websites also recommends:
- Do not eat salads, raw vegetables or fruit that may have been washed in tap water
- Avoid having ice in your drinks
- Do not drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth
What to do if you think you have Cyclosporiasis
If you develop persistent, watery diarrhoea after travelling – especially if it does not clear up within a few days – see your GP and mention where you have been. Cyclosporiasis is not always included in standard stool tests, so you may need to specifically ask for it to be checked.
Most cases clear up on their own, but antibiotics can be prescribed if symptoms are severe or persistent. Make sure you stay well hydrated in the meantime.
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