Generated

Massachusetts reports 147 cases of cyclosporiasis as the illness spreads across the United States.

Massachusetts health officials have reported 147 cases of cyclosporiasis this year, a microscopic parasite that causes severe diarrhea. While the number of cases is higher than a typical season, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health stated that there is no evidence of a large local outbreak or a specific local source of contaminated produce. Nationwide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed or suspected more than 22,000 cases. A significant portion of these cases is linked to a national iceberg lettuce recall by Taylor Farms, which served the produce to various restaurants and eateries. In New Hampshire, the number of confirmed cases has more than doubled since last week, reaching 69. The administration ended mandatory tracking of cyclospora and five other pathogens at the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network. Health experts note that symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear after consumption, and testing for the parasite can be a time-consuming process, which may result in a delayed reporting of cases.

Sources