By HDMedia
For HDMedia
The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health announced Friday it is investigating an increase in cyclosporiasis cases occurring across the state.
The agency said 47 cases have been reported in West Virginia since June 17.
On average, West Virginia receives nine reports of Cyclospora annually, according to a news release from state epidemiologist Shannon McBee.
Illnesses are currently concentrated in counties along the state’s western border, according to the bureau, but current investigations have not identified a common food item, produce supplier, grower or distributor associated with the cases.
Nationally, as of Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified 729 confirmed cases in 30 states. Patients became ill after consuming food in the United States and did not report international travel during the 14 days before illness onset.
Currently, there is no evidence of a single multistate outbreak linking all reported cases.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite after the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Direct person-to-person transmission is considered unlikely.
Symptoms typically develop two to 14 days after exposure and commonly include:
- Prolonged watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating and increased gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low-grade fever
Illness may last for several weeks or longer. According to the CDC, historically, outbreaks in the United States have been associated with imported and domestically grown fresh produce.
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