More than 1,000 Americans have contracted the intestinal infection cyclosporiasis this year, according to a Sept. 22 CDC update.
Here are three things to know.
1. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The illness is characterized by prolonged or remitting-relapsing diarrhea. Additional symptoms may include anorexia, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.
2. The CDC has tallied 1,031 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across 40 states in 2017.
3. Investigations into the possible source of the infections are ongoing. Investigators have linked previous outbreaks of cycolporiasis in the U.S. to imported basil, cilantro and snow peas, among other types of fresh produce.
To learn more about Cyclospora parasites, click here.
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