Stomach Illness Spreading Across the U.S., Including Rhode Island
Health officials are urging Americans to take extra precautions as a stomach illness continues to spread across the country. The latest outbreak has now been confirmed in 34 states, including Rhode Island, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments.
The illness, known as cyclosporiasis, is caused by the parasite Cyclospora and can lead to prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Nationwide, more than 843 confirmed cases, over 1,500 probable cases, and at least 86 hospitalizations have been reported during the outbreak.
Health officials say many infections have been linked to contaminated fresh produce, but the parasite can also spread through contaminated drinking water and recreational water, including swimming pools and splash pads. Because Cyclospora is resistant to chlorine, it can survive even in properly maintained pools.
The CDC says the outbreak has affected the following states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan (the current outbreak epicenter), Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Health experts recommend washing fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them, practicing good hand hygiene, and seeking medical attention if diarrhea or other symptoms last longer than 48 hours.
Have you or someone in your household been dealing with a stomach illness recently?
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