Latest news on demodectic mange in New York City: cases, symptoms
Both the state and city health departments are investigating an increase in cyclosporiasis cases in the area. Here is the latest one.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and states are investigating a rapidly increasing number of cyclosporiasis cases across the country.
As of July 13, there were 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, the disease caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, and more than 5,100 more cases are being investigated, according to CDC data. Thirty-four states have reported cases or suspected cases, CDC officials said.
CDC officials said clusters in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky are likely related.
State health department data suggests the total number of infections may be higher than the publicly available numbers. Michigan officials were tracking more than 2,600 cases as of July 13, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.
What are the symptoms of cyclosporiasis?
Parasitic infections can cause symptoms such as explosive diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and fatigue. Authorities are investigating whether food or agricultural products are to blame for the spike in cysticercosis cases.
CDC officials said symptoms can appear two days to two weeks after being infected with the parasite. The group also issued a health alert to doctors, other health care providers and public health officials about the outbreak.
Gwen Biggerstaff, deputy director of the CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, said the total number of people infected by the parasite is likely much higher than published numbers because many mild cases recover without seeking medical attention and are not tested.
The number of infected and suspected cases this year is “much higher than last year or the year before,” Biggerstaff said. “It’s a huge change from what we’ve seen in previous seasons.”
The CDC said public health teams are testing samples from confirmed and suspected cases to identify clusters of related cases. State and local public health officials are also tracking potential common sources of infection.
Although the CDC has not confirmed a single source, Biggerstaff noted that cases traced to produce imported into or harvested in the United States have increased in recent years.
Donald Prater, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for food, said that when the agency receives “actionable information” about the source of contamination, it works to remove those products from the food supply and educate consumers.
Prater said the FDA is investigating multiple produce items, including lettuce, that Michigan health officials have identified as potential sources of contamination, as well as locations where the infected person is believed to have visited before becoming ill.
This story is in development and will be updated.
