More than 18,200 cyclosporiasis cases now suspected in US: Where it’s getting worse

(NEXSTAR) – Cases of cyclosporiasis continue to climb in the U.S. as federal authorities link additional states to the ongoing outbreak.

As of Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there have been more than 6,700 confirmed cases of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis, the gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, since May 1.

Over 11,500 cases are still pending confirmation, bringing the nation’s total to a suspected case count of more than 18,000. This is now considered to be the largest known outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the U.S.

There are currently nine states linked to the outbreak apparently caused by iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico. Recently added to that group are Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, health officials have insisted that the “U.S. food supply is safe.”

Cases of cyclosporiasis are typically reported between May and August each year, but usually, cases total only a handful or a few dozen.........

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