Oklahoma Cyclosporiasis Cases Climb As Health Officials Monitor Statewide Outbreak

Oklahoma Cyclosporiasis Cases Climb As Health Officials Monitor Statewide Outbreak

The Oklahoma cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to grow, with the Oklahoma State Department of Health confirming 172 confirmed and probable cases of the intestinal illness across the state.

Health officials say the outbreak is part of a larger, multi-state investigation involving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While no deaths have been reported in Oklahoma, 12 people have been hospitalized as investigators continue working to identify the source of the infections.

Oklahoma Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Continues To Expand

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health Viral View Dashboard, Oklahoma has recorded 172 confirmed and probable cases of cyclosporiasis.

Patients range in age from 9 to 94 years old, with women accounting for approximately 55% of reported cases and men making up the remaining 45%.

The illness is caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which infects the intestinal tract after contaminated food or water is consumed. Symptoms typically begin about seven days after exposure and commonly include prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

So far, 12 Oklahomans have been hospitalized, although state health officials report there have been no deaths linked to the outbreak.

Fresh Produce Remains The Focus Of The Investigation

Federal investigators believe contaminated fresh produce is the most likely source of the outbreak.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4,173 confirmed cases have been reported across 41 states since May 1. The agency expects that number to increase as thousands of additional reports from state and local health departments are reviewed.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also been investigating Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce after it was served in restaurants, including Taco Bell, in several states. Although the FDA later determined an initial positive test was a false positive, the agency continues investigating possible sources of contamination and advises consumers to follow its latest food safety guidance.

At this time, health officials have not identified a single food product responsible for all Oklahoma cases.

Health Officials Recommend Washing Fresh Produce

The Oklahoma State Department of Health encourages residents to thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them, even though the parasite can be difficult to remove completely through rinsing alone.

For foods that can be safely cooked, health experts say proper cooking is the most effective way to destroy the parasite.

Anyone experiencing severe or prolonged diarrhea after eating fresh produce should contact a healthcare provider, especially if symptoms last more than a few days or lead to dehydration.

Health officials say they will continue monitoring the outbreak through the state's Viral View Dashboard while working alongside federal agencies to determine the source and prevent additional illnesses.

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