Several U.S. states are reporting an increase in cases of cyclosporiasis.
According to U.S. health authorities, at least 145 people fell ill across 17 states between May 1 and June 16.
At least 20 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported, according to HealthDay.
The disease is caused by the Cyclospora parasite. People become infected by consuming food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite.
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Health authorities consider person-to-person transmission to be highly unlikely.
Symptoms
Previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce such as basil, cilantro, raspberries, and sugar snap peas.
The number of infections typically increases during the spring and summer months.
Symptoms usually appear between two and 14 days after infection. They may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a mild fever, and severe watery diarrhea.
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Most people recover without complications, although some require treatment with antibiotics. People with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of prolonged illness.
Michigan stands out
The largest increase has been recorded in the state of Michigan.
A total of 572 cases had been reported there as of July 4, representing a sharp increase from 170 cases just a few days earlier.
The state typically records around 50 cases over the course of an entire year.
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Cases have been identified in seven counties in southeastern Michigan, but authorities have not yet identified a common source of infection.
They are therefore continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the unusually high number of infections.
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