Cyclosporiasis cases rise across the US, Illinois as officials track symptoms and hotspots

The parasitic intestinal infection cyclosporiasis is impacting numerous Americans across the country. A foodborne illness in the United States, cyclosporiasis effects the small intestine and cause diarrhea and stomach problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Michigan and New York are the top states with hundreds of cases. Michigan is leading the nation with cyclosporiasis cases with a total of 2,640 illnesses reported.

In regard to Illinois, the Chicago Sun-Times writes, "The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 141 cases of the illness, which is most often contracted by consuming contaminated fruits and vegetables. According to the IDPH spokesperson, 62 of the cases in Illinois reportedly traveled outside the U.S., while 59 cases traveled domestically. Another 20 cases are pending investigation to determine travel status."

But the departments of health in each state get more direct numbers reported to them. Like in other states, Illinois is getting its data directly from doctors, laboratories and local health departments. With that, there are 33 reported cases in Chicago, but the rest of the state, from what the IDPH has shared, doesn't have specific numbers to share. Therefore, areas such as central and southern Illinois are not clear on any reported illnesses - if any.

What are the symptoms?

* watery diarrhea (sometimes involving frequent or sudden bowel movements)

* stomach cramps

* bloating and increased gas

* nausea and occasionally vomiting

* loss of appetite

* weight loss

* tiredness

* muscle aches

* a low-grade fever

"Symptoms can last for a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may go away and come back again multiple times, the IDPH writes. 'Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. However, there is an effective antibiotic, and clinicians should consider treatment of confirmed cases based on clinical status.'

Is it contagious from another person?

Short answer, no. The IDPH says spread of the illness "from an infected person to someone else is unlikely." Yet indirect spread has the potential to occur. "Cyclospora might be spread if the stool of an infected person contaminates something in the environment (e.g., water) to which someone else is exposed after the parasite has had time to become infectious," the IDPH website on Cyclospora reads.

How to lower the chances of getting cyclosporiasis?

While there's no specific way to avoid getting the illness, individuals who want to lower their risks of getting sick can avoid these different foods: "raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and lettuce," which "have previously been linked" to foodborne outbreaks.

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