Yesterday, I reported on the latest from the CDC and the cyclospora outbreak.
In this post, I want to look at the state of Florida and how it is affected by this nasty parasite.
Through July 25, state health officials have reported 264 total cyclosporiasis cases, including 161 acquired in Florida, 20 acquired in other US states and 39 acquired outside the country. 44 cases are unknown as far as where it was acquired.
258 cases are confirmed while 6 cases are classified as probable.
Of the 39 counties affected, the five counties reporting the most cases include Miami-Dade (43), Lee (25), Orange (22), Broward (22) and Palm Beach and Pinellas counties reporting 11 each.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. This illness is not usually spread directly from person to person.
Case counts typically rise during spring and summer months, and CDC considers May 1-August 31 the annual cyclosporiasis season. Previous outbreaks have been linked to consuming contaminated fresh produce.
Florida: 1st locally acquired dengue fever case of the year reported in Hillsborough County
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically begin about 1 week after exposure. Onset of symptoms can occur 2-14 days after being exposed. The most common symptoms include watery diarrhea, which can be frequent, along with loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Less common symptoms include low-grade fever and vomiting. Without treatment, symptoms can follow a remitting-relapsing course that can last from a few days to a month or longer. Illness can be severe, but is not usually life-threatening. Complications can include malabsorption, cholecystitis, and reactive arthritis.