Cyclospora outbreak reaches 400 cases, Louisiana becomes latest state to report parasite

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that as of Thursday, they have been notified of 400 cases of the parasitic infection, cyclosporiasis, from 17 health departments from across the country.

Cyclospora cayetanensis Image/CDC

The newest state to report cases is Louisiana, who reported two cases yesterday in a news release. The Bayou State joins Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, Florida, Wisconsin, New York City, Georgia, Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.

The federal health agency says at least 22 people required hospitalization for their illnesses.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) reports the two cases, one in Bienville Parish and one in Terrebonne Parish.

Louisiana health officials say one of the persons who became ill had eaten lettuce while in Texas. The other person did not report eating lettuce or salad. The onset of symptoms in the two cases was early July, about the time of the peak of the national outbreak. Both cases were mild and did not require hospitalization.

“The best prevention is always to handle and prepare food in a manner that minimizes the presence of harmful germs,” said Dr. Raoult Ratard, State Epidemiologist for DHH. “This includes washing fruits and vegetables before eating them.  We also encourage people to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.”