New testing data suggest the country’s unusually large cyclosporiasis outbreak may be easing, but health experts say case counts remain high and the true scope may still be underestimated.
New laboratory trends are offering cautious hope that the largest recorded U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak may be beginning to slow. Health experts, however, say the outbreak remains significant and that consumers should continue to take food-safety precautions.
Meanwhile, the Arkansas Department of Health released an update on the number of cases reported in the state. As of the end of last week, 126 cases were reported. While 70% of the cases are in Benton and Washington Counties, which includes areas around Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, and Springdale, at least one case each has been reported in the Lakes Region counties of Boone, Carroll, Marion, and Searcy.
The illness is caused by Cyclospora, a parasite that can spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms can include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, nausea and loss of appetite, and infections may last for weeks without treatment.
The Arkansas Department of Health advises people to take steps in preventing exposure including washing hands with soap and water before and after handling or preparing raw fruits and vegetables, washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking, cutting away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating. and refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
(This article was written in part from information generated from A.I. from the CDC)
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