‘Explosive diarrhea’ parasite cases on the rise in Georgia, CDC says
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Confirmed cases of a nasty stomach bug are spreading in Georgia, according to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A surveillance map published by the CDC says that Georgia now has 11-30 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal parasite known to cause “explosive diarrhea.” Last week, that figure was one to 10.
“I’m just trying to be really cautious and do what they’re telling us to do,” said Lynette Foster.
The outbreak has Foster thinking twice about what she’s buying at the grocery store.
“It’s like, oh no, what am I going to eat, because I eat salads all the time, and I’m just trying to be cautious,” Foster said.
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Nationally, confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis number more than 1,600, but more than 5,100 cases are pending further analysis, the CDC said in an updated summary. For comparison, there were 249 cases by this same time last year.
Cyclosporiasis: What are the symptoms?
The CDC says the main symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
In some cases, patients may experience low-grade fever, vomiting, and body ache, the agency says.
If you have these symptoms, the agency recommends that you visit your health care provider, who can administer tests for cyclosporiasis.
In Michigan — where reported cases have reached more than 3,300, according to the state’s health department — officials signaled that preliminary findings point to lettuce or salad greens as possible carriers.
The Georgia Department of Health says cyclosporiasis can be prevented by following some practical hygiene steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before consuming. You can scrub firmer fruits.
- Cut away and discard any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables.
- Refrigerate any fruits and vegetables that have been cut, peeled, or cooked within two hours.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.
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Cyclospora cases rise nationwide
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