Arabic version: توسّع نطاق التفشي الذي ترصده مراكز مكافحة الأمراض إلى 15 ولاية، بحسب تقارير

According to The Guardian, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reportedly expanded the largest known US cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, including Arkansas and Missouri.

An Arkansas health department spokesperson said the state was among those being added to the CDC’s multistate outbreak. Missouri’s health department also confirmed its involvement. The reported expansion includes Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina, according to the Washington Post.

As of 28 July, the CDC had recorded 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases and about 11,500 suspected cases awaiting confirmation. Cases have been reported in 45 states since May, with most suspected cases concentrated in Michigan and Ohio.

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating six outbreaks and has identified iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico as the source of one. Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled lettuce distributed to restaurants in 27 states and grocery stores in 15 states. Michigan, which reported 11,234 outbreak-linked cases, reported the first two US deaths linked to the disease since the outbreak began.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and can cause diarrhea, appetite loss, bloating, fatigue, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. The CDC has advised people not to eat recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and to contact healthcare providers if they experience symptoms.