At least 843 people in 31 states have been confirmed to have cyclosporiasis. Cyclosporiasis is a food poisoning that has attracted public attention due to its explosive diarrhea symptoms and the number of reported cases.
Of those, 86 people are hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on July 10.
The CDC tally may underestimate the extent of the outbreak, as state health departments report higher numbers. At least 1,562 cases have been reported in Michigan alone. Nearly 3,000 cases have been reported by state health departments nationwide, according to NBC News.
Although cyclosporiasis has received a lot of public attention, other diseases such as E. coli/STEC and Salmonella enterica are much more common in the United States and can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Compare them below.
If you can’t see the graphic, click here to reload the page.
How to reduce the risk of getting cystospermia
To reduce the risk of cystosporeosis, health authorities have issued the following guidance for anyone involved in preparing, processing, or serving fresh food:
Other ways to reduce your risk of foodborne illness:
- Scrub hard produce like melons and cucumbers with a clean brush.
- Cut out any bruised or damaged parts before eating.
- Clean and disinfect cookware and countertop surfaces before and after use.
- Disinfect showcases and refrigerators that store perishable foods.
- Clean and disinfect cutting boards and utensils used for fresh food.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables immediately.
