Gut-wrecking stomach bug is showing up in Kansas
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Cases of a gut-wrecking parasite are showing up in Kansas, part of a nationwide outbreak health officials are investigating.
The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food.
- The infection is more typical during the summer months, but some states are seeing a surge in cases beyond the usual reported incidents.
- Symptoms, which include "explosive" diarrhea, can last for a few days or even a month or longer without any treatment, the CDC says. Some symptoms, like diarrhea, may disappear but then return.
Driving the news: At least 1,645 cases across 34 states were officially reported in the U.S. between May 1 and July 13, per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- That's up from 145 people nationwide as of June 16.
Zoom in: Kansas has reported 11 to 30 cases, according to the CDC. Wyandotte, Leavenworth and Douglas counties have each reported one to five cases, KMBC reports.
- Missouri has not reported any.
Reality check: "The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported," the CDC notes.
Context: Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite and does not transmit person-to-person, per the CDC.
- Treatment usually includes antibiotics, according to the Cleveland Clinic, though some cases resolve by themselves.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified some produce items that have caused outbreaks since the 1990s, including raspberries, basil, salad mixes, cilantro, berry and fruit mixes, lettuce, and snap peas.
The bottom line: Wash and scrub your produce thoroughly, and cut off bruised or damaged parts of fruit.