Parasite linked to contaminated produce and swimming swimming pools has sickened a whole lot

(CNN) – Cases of a extreme abdomen sickness brought on by a parasite known as cyclosporiasis are surging throughout the nation, with greater than 30 states reporting infections.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Friday a minimum of 843 confirmed circumstances and greater than 1,500 potential circumstances throughout 31 states. At least 86 individuals have been hospitalized.

Symptoms and period

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis embody explosive diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramping, bloating and fatigue. Unlike many abdomen bugs that resolve inside 24 to 48 hours, cyclosporiasis can final considerably longer.

“People with this parasite can be sick for weeks or sometimes even months with a sort of relapsing pattern, and so that can really wear down your body,” one epidemiologist on the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security stated.

Dr. Amesh Adalja of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Health Security stated the parasite invades the gut. “They invade the intestine, causing diarrhea, which can be watery, [and] cause abdominal cramps,” Adalja stated.

CNN Health Reporter Jacqueline Howard stated the sickness will be troublesome for these contaminated. “This can be miserable for people if they do get sick,” Howard stated.

How the parasite spreads

The outbreak has been linked to contaminated produce. The parasite has additionally been present in swimming swimming pools and splash pads, the place it will possibly unfold via ingested water.

Health officers warn that the parasite is proof against bleach and might survive in chlorinated swimming pools. Those in areas with an lively outbreak are suggested to keep away from public swimming areas.

How to guard your self

Health officers suggest washing produce completely, significantly blended lettuce, recent basil, cilantro and raspberries. Cooking fruit and veggies can even assist scale back threat.

Adalja cautioned that washing alone might not totally remove the parasite. “It won’t completely eliminate it because these are very hardy organisms,” he stated.

Anyone who suspects they’ve the parasite and has been sick for greater than 48 hours is suggested to see a physician for therapy.