Delaware confirms first case of cyclosporiasis amid parasitic infection - 6abc Philadelphia

What the report says

WPVI-TV reported that Delaware has confirmed its first cyclosporiasis case of the week as a broader parasitic illness outbreak continues to affect parts of the United States. The station said the Food and Drug Administration has connected the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, while health officials believe the affected food is probably no longer available for purchase or has already been consumed.

According to WPVI-TV, cases may still increase because symptoms can take time to develop after exposure. The report also noted that the FDA is examining a separate possible cyclosporiasis cluster, with at least 72 cases identified, though officials had not named a source or location for that investigation in the article.

Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WPVI-TV explained that cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite. Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, low-grade fever, nausea and vomiting. The CDC says illness typically begins about a week after infection, though the range can be from two days to two weeks.

The report said Cyclospora is usually spread through food or water contaminated with feces, and past foodborne outbreaks have been tied to fresh produce. Diagnosis requires stool testing, sometimes with multiple samples, and clinicians must specifically request testing for the parasite. The CDC lists trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as the standard treatment and recommends washing produce and hands, removing damaged portions of fruits and vegetables, and refrigerating cut or prepared produce to help reduce risk.