Health experts have tried to explain a mysterious parasite which causes ‘explosive’ diarrhoea which has infected over 300 people in the US and been found in 16 countries in Europe
A parasitic infection causing “explosive” watery diarrhoea has hit more than 300 people and health experts are struggling to find the origin of the mysterious outbreak.
An outbreak of the microscopic parasite Cyclosporiasis, found in human faeces, has flared up across several states in the US. The World Health Organisation is also understood to be keeping a close eye on the number of cases of the nasty illness.
Currently it is believed people have travelled with it, increasing the number of infections around the world. Science experts say there have been 16 countries hit across Europe so far. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned the parasite has been on the rise across several states since May.
Currently 20 people afflicted with the ailment have been admitted to hospital and no deaths have been reported in the US. The Cyclosporiasis parasite is not deadly however the source of the outbreak remains unknown. The CDC have stated Cyclosporiasis is a type of food poisoning which can result in diarrheal illness.
It is known to affect those with compromised immune systems more severely, with other symptoms also including severe abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue and significant weight loss for those infected. The CDC have stated previous Cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been linked to various imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, snow peas, mesclun lettuce, and cilantro, which were contaminated with the parasite.
The official outbreak season for the parasite runs from May 1 through August typically, but a window where warmer temperatures historically coincide with a spike in infections, according to the CDC, meaning this summer heatwave could be increasing the number of infections seen.
The CDC added the parasite usually takes 1-2 weeks outside of the human body to become infectious, resulting in human to human infections being extremely unlikely. Vern Carruthers, University of Michigan microbiology and immunology professor has explained the parasite’s resistant nature against chlorine could lead to people getting infected if by ingesting swimming pool water.
Carruthers stated: “You have someone or even a child who is in the pool; they’ll release it into the water, and because it is so resistant to being killed by chlorine, people who are just ingesting that water have a chance of getting it (Cyclosporiasis).”
Doctors say that although the illness can clear up on its own, it does not very often and frequently requires antibiotics. In severe cases it can need a hospital stay and a full course of antibiotics.
Docs have also added the parasite can be avoided by staying clear of food or water which may be contaminated with faeces. Health experts have also stated consistent hygiene and safe food-handling practices can also curb the risk of grim parasite.
Full list of locations:
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas,
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
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