ST. LOUIS — Missouri health officials are investigating 43 confirmed or probable cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, state health authorities reported Sunday. The number adds Missouri to a growing list of states seeing infections linked to a national outbreak of contaminated produce.
What health officials say
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced the case total but did not specify where in the state the infections were identified. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 1,600 cases have been confirmed and more than 5,100 additional cases are under investigation. Illinois has reported more than 200 confirmed cases.
Health authorities typically study patients’ recent food histories and laboratory results to determine likely sources and whether local cases are connected to the national outbreak. The state health department is working with local health agencies to do that work, according to the release.
Symptoms, testing and treatment
Cyclosporiasis affects the intestines. Symptoms usually begin about a week after exposure and frequently include watery diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, nausea and fatigue. In some cases, people report sudden, severe bowel movements.
Local health systems say the parasite is identified through stool tests that detect bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause gastrointestinal illness. Treatment generally uses specific antibiotics; local hospital and clinic spokespeople reported seeing cases but said they were not aware of any hospitalizations at the time of reporting.
- Symptoms to watch for: persistent watery diarrhea, nausea, bloating, weight loss and fatigue.
- Testing: stool tests can detect Cyclospora.
- Treatment: typically includes antibiotics prescribed by a clinician.
How residents can reduce risk
Because the outbreak has been tied to produce in other states, officials recommend careful food handling:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and clean running water before preparing or eating food.
- Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables under clean, running water, even if packages are labeled "pre-washed."
- Store produce at appropriate temperatures and avoid cross-contamination with raw foods.
While Cyclospora can spread through contaminated water, person-to-person transmission is considered unlikely because the parasite requires days to become infectious after being passed in stool. Public health investigators focus on common food or water sources when clusters appear.
| Location | Reported cases |
|---|---|
| Missouri | 43 (confirmed or probable) |
| United States (confirmed) | 1,600+ |
| Under investigation (U.S.) | 5,100+ |
| Illinois | 200+ |
State and local health departments will announce additional findings as investigations identify potential sources or links between cases. Anyone experiencing prolonged or severe gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their health care provider and mention possible exposure to contaminated produce so clinicians can order appropriate testing.
As the summer harvest and salad season continue, public health officials stress that vigilance in food handling remains the best immediate protection while investigators work to pinpoint the cause of the outbreak.
