Maryland Sees Surge in Parasitic Infections Linked to Cyclosporiasis

Maryland health officials have reported a significant increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection known to cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including explosive diarrhea. As of Wednesday, 69 individuals have been diagnosed with the infection, a sharp rise from 32 cases reported just a week earlier.

Most of the cases have emerged since May 1, but the exact source of the outbreak remains unclear. Amanda Hils, a spokeswoman for the Maryland Department of Health, stated that local health departments are actively investigating the cases but have yet to identify a common link among those infected.

Typically, Maryland sees around 100 to 200 cases of cyclosporiasis each year. However, health officials across the nation are expressing concern over a notable increase in infections this year. Investigations in other states, particularly Michigan, suggest that contaminated lettuce or salad greens may be potential sources of the outbreak.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by ingesting microscopic parasites found in contaminated food or water, often linked to produce. While historically traced back to foreign imports, recent cases have shown a rise in locally sourced fruits and vegetables being implicated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently resumed tracking cyclosporiasis cases after a hiatus during the previous administration. Currently, the CDC reports approximately 6,745 confirmed or suspected cases nationwide, with 141 hospitalizations but no reported fatalities.

To minimize the risk of infection, health officials recommend thorough washing of produce and hands. Additional precautions include cooking vegetables to a temperature of 185 degrees Fahrenheit, opting for whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-packaged varieties, and peeling outer layers of fruits and vegetables. While berries pose a cleaning challenge due to their crevices, no cases have been linked to frozen or canned produce thus far.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can linger for days or even weeks, and individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to consult their healthcare providers. In some cases, an antibiotic treatment may be beneficial.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).