Cyclosporiasis cases are continuing to pop up across New York City as the nation battles a sharp increase of the infection, which has gone viral for its symptoms of explosive bowel movements.
The illness can last anywhere from days to over a month if untreated, and symptoms could relapse one or more times after a person feels better.
Here is the latest information on cyclosporiasis in NYC.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that affects the intestines, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. It's caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite.
"Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements," the CDC says on its website.
It usually takes
about a week to start showing symptoms, the CDC reports, but symptom onset can occur anywhere from two days to two weeks after infection.
How many cases of cyclosporiasis are in New York City?
As of July 27, the city's health department said there had been 511 cases reported in New York City since May 1. An investigation into the cause is still ongoing, the agency said.
How does cyclosporiasis spread?
The sickness spreads through food or drinking water that is contaminated with feces. Outbreaks have been linked in the past to fresh produce.
How to prevent cyclosporiasis
Some tips from the NYC Health Department to protect yourself include:
- Washing hands with soap before preparing or handling food, and after
- Washing firm fruits and veggies with a produce brush, and cutting off bruised areas
- Wash and sanitize utensils, surfaces, cutting boards and display cases both before and after handling food
- Cooking produce when possible
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cyclosporiasis cases continue to grow in NYC. Here's what to know.
