Parasitic Stomach Bug In Georgia Probed By CDC

GEORGIA —An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic stomach bug, that sickened people in Georgia and Alabama appears to be over, but federal health officials are continuing to monitor cases of the illness across the United States, including in Georgia.

The outbreak that affected Georgia and Alabama sickened 20 people and was traced back to imported broccoli, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total amount of people who got sick in that outbreak was likely higher, the CDC said.

A cause for the remaining U.S. cases has not been identified and broccoli doesn’t appear to be the source, according to officials. So far this year, 210 illnesses linked to the parasite have been reported in the United States. Among those, 30 people were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Between 21-30 cases have been reported in Georgia, according to the CDC’s latest update Thursday.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically spread by ingesting food or water contaminated with feces.

The illness can cause frequent and, at times, explosive bowel movements, stomach cramps, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. Flu-like symptoms, including vomiting, headache, body aches and fever, often accompany the infection.

According to a CDC investigation notice, cyclospora cayetanensis is linked to a parasite often found in different kinds of fresh produce.

Illnesses are reported all year, but health officials often note increased cases during the spring and summer. Reports tend to increase starting in May, but this year, cases began to spike in April.

“It is too soon to tell if this timing indicates a change in the seasonality of cyclosporiasis in the United States,” the investigation notice says.

While the illness’ cause can vary, previous outbreaks have been linked to fresh produce, including basil, cilantro, mesclun lettuce, raspberries, and snow peas.

To determine the cause, officials ask sick people what they ate in the 14 days before getting sick. If a common food is found, health officials will issue an advisory if the contaminated food is still available in stores or found in homes.

Anyone infected with cyclosporiasis can experience symptoms for several weeks to a month or more. If untreated, symptoms may get better for a while and then return, and this pattern may repeat, health officials said.

The illness is treated with antibiotics and the CDC advises health care providers to report any cases to the local health department.