Up to 200 cyclosporiasis cases reported in New Jersey
Cyclosporiasis is a type of food poisoning which spreads through contaminated food or water. It is often linked to pools, lakes and raw produce such as berries, herbs and salad mixes.
More Stories
Up to 200 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in New Jersey amid the widespread outbreak, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Cyclosporiasis is a type of food poisoning which spreads through contaminated food or water. It is often linked to pools, lakes and raw produce such as berries, herbs and salad mixes.
Symptoms include severe diarrhea, cramps, bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue. Experts say the symptoms usually begin around a week after becoming infected and can last for a month or longer without proper treatment.
RELATED: Cyclospora on the rise: What to know about parasite causing severe stomach sickness
Cyclosporiasis can be fatal in rare cases. Officials confirmed earlier this month that two people with serious underlying health conditions died after becoming infected in Michigan.
More than 9,400 people have been infected by the virus nationwide.
Anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms should contact a health care provider, especially if symptoms are severe or lead to dehydration.
Doctors say the best way to lower the risk is by washing hands frequently, thoroughly rinsing fruits and vegetables and cutting away any bruised or damaged areas of produce.
For more information, click here.
RELATED: The Cyclospora parasite is lurking in your produce. Here’s how to avoid it
