North Carolina reports over 900 cyclosporiasis cases since May
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed 906 cases of the intestinal parasite infection, with 39 new cases reported in the latest update and 31 hospitalizations since May.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said on Aug. 11 that 906 cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in the state since May, including 39 new cases added since the Aug. 4 update. The illness, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is linked to consumption of contaminated food or water.
Thirty-one patients have been hospitalized, a slight decrease from the previous report of 33. Henderson County in western North Carolina recorded the highest number of cases in the region with 43, while Wake County leads statewide with 508 confirmed infections. Buncombe County reported four cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bloating, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, gas and nausea.