Parasitic Stomach Bug In Pennsylvania Probed By CDC

PENNSYLVANIA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a recent string of illnesses in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, linked to a parasite often found in different kinds of fresh produce, according to an investigation notice posted to the agency’s website.

The CDC and Pennsylvania health officials are monitoring cyclosporiasis cases. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically spread by ingesting food or water contaminated with feces.

Cyclosporiasis cases are monitored by federal health officials to detect outbreaks that may be linked to a common food source. It is unlikely that people can pass the parasite directly to one another, the CDC added.

Health care providers in Pennsylvania and other states are asked to report any Cyclosporiasis cases to the CDC.

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.

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 one and five of those cases have been reported in Pennsylvania, according to the CDC’s latest update Thursday.

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.

Earlier this year, federal health officials investigated a spike of cyclosporiasis cases in Georgia and Alabama linked to raw broccoli that sickened 20 people. Officials determined the broccoli was imported.

A cause for the remaining U.S. cases has not been identified and broccoli doesn’t appear to be the source, according to officials.

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.

This story contains reporting from Patch's national desk.