Parasite Alert in the USA: Outbreak Spreads to 48 States

The Cyclospora parasite, which can spread to people through contaminated food or water, causes diarrhea, nausea, and various gastrointestinal disorders. The outbreak of cyclosporiasis caused by the parasite, especially associated with fresh fruits and vegetables, is spreading rapidly across the United States.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the number of confirmed cases in the outbreak has risen to 17,180. According to CDC data dated August 24, cases were recorded in 48 states and the capital Washington. The case count increased by 1,464 in just one week.

The outbreak's impact on the health system is also worsening. To date, 922 people have been hospitalized for the disease, and two have died. The CDC said that more detailed investigation and analysis are needed to confirm at least 11,844 possible cases.

A link to the recalled marula was identified.

Among the confirmed cases are patients linked to the recalled iceberg marula and spread across multiple states. While the product was being pulled from the market in some regions, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing to investigate at least six distinct case clusters whose source has not yet been definitively identified.

In Michigan, the state most affected by the outbreak, the case count rose 3% to 14,277 compared with last week. Although the slowing growth rate may signal that the outbreak's impact is beginning to wane, officials are closely monitoring the developments.

Consumer habits were also affected.

The outbreak, considered one of the largest foodborne disease incidents in recent ABD history, also changed consumer behavior. It is reported that many people have begun to avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables or dining at restaurants.