Explosive diarrhea parasite cases rise by thousands, now in 45 states

Cases of cyclosporiasis, a stomach-churning parasitic infection known for causing explosive diarrhea, have now reached 45 states as infections climb well into the thousands.

There have been 6,707 laboratory-confirmed

cases of the illness since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its weekly update on Tuesday, July 28, a more than 2,500 increase since its last report on July 21. Cases have also now been recorded in 45 states, up from 41 last week. More than 11,500 additional cases, primarily in Michigan and Ohio, have not yet been confirmed by laboratories, the CDC said.

There have been 423 hospitalizations and no deaths, per the agency.

Federal health authorities are still investigating the sources of what they believe to be multiple separate outbreaks, the largest of which is centered in Michigan. The state reported 9,680 cases of cyclosporiasis on July 28 – numbers which differ from the CDC because they have not yet been laboratory confirmed and reported back to the federal agency for counting.

This largest outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce grown by produce giant Taylor Farms in central Mexico, prompting the company to initiate a recall on July 17.

"Cyclosporiasis cases may not be limited to these states with known cases," according to the CDC update. "The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora."