Parasite that causes ‘explosive diarrhea’ reported in Manatee County, state says
Manatee County might have its first case of cyclosporiasis.
The Florida Department of Health reported one case in its most recent update on the parasitic outbreak that has reached more than 30 states as of Friday.
There are more than 100 probable or confirmed cases in Florida, with Manatee and Sarasota counties not making previous health department reports.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cyclosporiasis is a stomach illness caused by a microscopic parasite.
The main symptom is “watery, and sometimes, explosive diarrhea,” according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Other symptoms include loss of appetite, bloating, extreme tiredness or fatigue, low-grade fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Cyclosporiasis reported in Manatee County
The health department’s data, which lists probable or confirmed cases, is from Jan. 1 to July 11.
Sarasota County did not show up in Florida’s recent report.
Contaminated fresh produce or water are common ways cyclosporiasis spreads to people. The CDC reported Thursday it is investigating a link between shredded lettuce at Taco Bell locations in five states and the cyclosporiasis outbreak. The states are Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. According to the CDC, it is also investigating the other cyclosporiasis outbreak cases nationwide.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, foods linked to cyclosporiasis include raspberries, cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas and leafy greens.
Symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC.
Florida’s health department report on the illness does not indicate where the person was exposed or diagnosed. It is based on the person’s county of residence at the time of reporting, and the report shows preliminary numbers that can change as cases are investigated and validated, according to the health department’s report.
Calls to state and local health officials seeking comment have not been returned as of Friday morning.
