CDC Reports More Than 4,100 Confirmed U.S. Cyclosporiasis Cases

Federal health officials are tracking a sharp increase in cyclosporiasis cases across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday that 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases have been identified since May 1.

The confirmed illnesses have been reported from 41 states and have resulted in 308 hospitalizations. No deaths have been recorded in the domestic case count, according to the federal update covering illnesses reported through July 20.

The CDC is also aware of more than 7,400 additional cases reported by state and local health departments that have not yet been laboratory-confirmed. Federal officials said many of those reports originated in Michigan and Ohio and still require investigation and analysis.

One multistate outbreak affecting five states has been epidemiologically linked to iceberg lettuce. Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17, although the FDA later determined that an initially reported positive product test was a false positive and said the broader investigation remained active.

Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. Infection commonly causes prolonged watery diarrhea and may also produce stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss and bloating.

Health officials expect reported totals to continue rising because of delays between the beginning of symptoms, testing and the submission of case information. People experiencing persistent diarrhea or other serious gastrointestinal symptoms should contact a healthcare provider and mention any recent exposure to recalled lettuce or restaurant salads.

(This article was written through A.I. using information from the CDC. An interview with FOX News Radio Reporter Jeff Monosso on the recall from KRZK's "Ozarks Now" program can be seen on the Ozarks Now Facebook Page.)