NORTH CAROLINA — Cyclosporiasis cases are on the rise in North Carolina. The cases are not associated with Taco Bell as seen in other states.
In the past week North Carolina has seen 254 additional Cyclosporiasis — a parasite causing intestinal illness — cases, bringing the state’s total reported cases to 561. Sixteen individuals have been hospitalized.
As of July 20, 41 states have reported Cyclosporiasis cases, per the Centers for Disease Control. There have been 4,173 cases across the U.S. with 308 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has yet to identify the root cause of the state’s outbreak. However, NCDHHS does not believe the climb in cases is related to Taco Bell, as seen in five other states — Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Additionally, Iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms has been linked as the source of outbreaks in nine states. On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled all of its Iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico. The brand has not been identified as a catalyst for North Carolina’s outbreak.
NCDHHS has said state cases are typically linked to contaminated lettuce, parsley and cilantro.
“While this type of information can suggest which types of produce are more likely to be contaminated, it does not prove with certainty that any of these were the source of infection’” NCDHHS said in a press release.
After exposure symptoms tend to present themselves within a week. The most common symptom is diarrhea while others include bloating, nausea, fatigue, stomach cramps and loss of appetite.
To prevent exposure all produce should be thoroughly washed and good hand-washing habits should be practiced.
NCDHHS recommends visiting a doctor if someone believes they may be infected as well as drinking water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. An infected individual should stay home and isolate to prevent the spread of the illness.
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with antibiotics.
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