North Carolina health officials are investigating more than 300 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite that can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms lasting for weeks.
From May 1 through July 14, 307 cases and 13 hospitalizations were reported statewide, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. More than 200 cases have been reported in Wake County.
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No confirmed cases have been reported in Harnett County, officials told WRAL today.
Cyclospora is typically spread when people consume food or water contaminated with the parasite. Health officials said the illness generally does not spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms typically begin about a week after exposure and can include frequent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss and extreme fatigue. Some patients may also experience flu-like symptoms, including body aches and joint pain.
Dr. Lori Langdon, a Harnett County physician, said the illness can initially be mistaken for a more common stomach bug.
“It’s very easy to confuse the symptoms of cyclospora with other kinds of diarrhea, such as norovirus, which is actually much more common,” Dr. Langdon said.
However, symptoms linked to cyclospora can persist or return for several weeks.
“It is famous for not only causing this prolonged, recurring, relapsing watery diarrhea and abdominal cramping and pain- not as much fever and vomiting- but also flu-like illness, joint pain, achiness and extreme fatigue,” Langdon said.
Langdon said she is not aware of any cases reaching Campbell University’s health center but has heard about the illness’s impact through the parent of a patient.
“In severe cases, [it] can be almost debilitating,” Langdon said.
Cyclospora has historically been associated with fresh produce and herbs that are commonly eaten raw, including cilantro and parsley. Because symptoms may not appear until days after exposure, health officials said patients may struggle to remember specific ingredients they consumed.
“Many individuals may not even realize they have consumed the ingredient that is making them sick, which makes tracing the source of contamination more difficult,” State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Carl Williams said.
Cyclosporiasis can be treated with prescription antibiotics. Harnett County health officials recommend contacting your healthcare provider for a test so proper treatment can follow.
Health officials recommend washing hands with soap and water before and after preparing food and thoroughly rinsing fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs under clean running water. Produce should be rinsed before it is peeled, and damaged or bruised areas should be removed before eating.
NCDHHS is continuing to investigate potential sources of exposure and plans to update statewide case totals weekly.
