The Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed 14 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness caused by the microscopic organism Cyclospora cayetanensis.
The confirmation was reported by 5newsonline.com. Cyclosporiasis is not a commonly known illness outside of public health circles, but it has caused outbreaks in the United States tied to contaminated produce. The parasite spreads when people consume food or water that has been contaminated with infected fecal matter. It is not spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. The illness can last from a few days to several weeks if untreated, and some people experience relapsing symptoms. It is treated with antibiotics.
Outbreaks in the United States have historically been linked to fresh produce imported from regions where the parasite is more common, including fresh herbs, raspberries, snow peas, and basil. Health officials typically investigate clusters of cases to identify a common food source.
The Arkansas Department of Health did not release details in the initial report about the source of the current cases, whether those affected had a common exposure, or whether an investigation into a food source was underway. The report from 5newsonline.com did not include statements from health officials about the status of any ongoing investigation.
Fourteen confirmed cases in a single state is a number that warrants attention from public health authorities, though cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the United States have at times involved larger numbers across multiple states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks cyclosporiasis cases nationally and typically gets involved when clusters appear across state lines.
Anyone in Arkansas who has experienced prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider. The illness is diagnosable through stool testing, though it requires specific laboratory methods not used in standard stool panels.
