Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Health authorities in the United States are investigating a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness that causes severe diarrhoea, after nearly 700 cases were reported across 18 states.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 694 cases had been reported as of July 6. The agency has warned that the number of infections is likely to rise as investigations continue. Officials have not yet identified a single food source responsible for the outbreak.
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The illness is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, which infects the intestines and leads to cyclosporiasis. The Food and Drug Administration and the CDC are jointly investigating the outbreak, but so far, the reported cases have not been linked to one common source.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
Cyclospora usually spreads through food or water contaminated with human faeces. Unlike many other intestinal infections, the parasite needs one to two weeks outside the human body before it becomes infectious. Because of this, person-to-person spread is considered unlikely.
In recent years, US health officials have linked several Cyclospora outbreaks to contaminated fresh produce, particularly during the summer months.
SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure to the parasite.
The most common symptom is watery, sometimes explosive diarrhoea, but people may also experience:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
If left untreated, the illness can last for several weeks and may come and go.
Experts warn that the biggest risk is dehydration, particularly among young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and those with weakened immune systems.
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE THE RISK?
Since the exact source of the current outbreak has not been identified, health officials recommend following good food safety practices:
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or cooking them.
- Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away bruised or damaged areas before consumption.
- Refrigerate cut or peeled fruits and vegetables within two hours.
IS IT TREATABLE?
Doctors say cyclosporiasis is usually treated with antibiotics.
People experiencing persistent diarrhoea, especially if accompanied by signs of dehydration such as dizziness, excessive thirst or reduced urination, should seek medical attention promptly.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
