Oklahoma Cyclosporiasis Cases Climb To 57

Oklahoma Cyclosporiasis Cases Climb To 57 As Health Officials Monitor Parasite Outbreak

Health officials are warning Oklahomans to stay alert after Oklahoma cyclosporiasis cases climbed to 57, including six hospitalizations, according to newly released data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The increase marks a significant jump from earlier federal reports that identified only 11 cases in the state.

Cyclosporiasis is a stomach illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite is commonly linked to contaminated fresh produce and can cause prolonged gastrointestinal illness if left untreated. While a nationwide outbreak is also under investigation, Oklahoma health officials say the state's current cluster has not been linked to those cases.

Oklahoma Cyclosporiasis Cases Continue To Rise

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 56 of the 57 reported cases have been confirmed through positive laboratory testing, while six people have required hospitalization.

State health officials continue investigating where patients may have been exposed and are working to determine whether the illnesses share a common source.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health continues updating case counts and public health information as the investigation progresses. https://oklahoma.gov/health

Parasite Often Linked To Fresh Produce

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite that is most often spread through contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables or contaminated water.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms typically include diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms may last for several weeks if the infection is not treated.

The CDC recommends thoroughly washing fresh produce before eating it, although washing alone may not completely eliminate the parasite if contamination has occurred. Additional information about cyclosporiasis is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/.

Health Officials Continue Investigating Source

At this time, Oklahoma investigators have not connected the state's illnesses to the larger multistate outbreak under investigation elsewhere in the country.

Public health officials are interviewing patients, reviewing food histories and working with federal partners to determine whether a common source exists. As new laboratory results become available, additional cases could be identified.

Anyone experiencing severe or persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days should contact a healthcare provider. Cyclosporiasis can usually be treated with prescription antibiotics once it has been properly diagnosed.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health says additional updates will be released as more information becomes available. Current public health alerts and disease updates can be found at https://oklahoma.gov/health.

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