Cyclosporiasis cases in U.S. climb to 17,180, CDC says

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CDC and FDA are investigating at least six ⁠other clusters for which sources have not yet been confirmed, CDC said |Image used for representational purpose only | Photo Credit: REUTERS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday ​reported 17,180 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in ‌the United States, an increase ​of 1,464 cases from a ⁠week ago.

The CDC said it has received reports ‌of 17,180 confirmed cases across 48 states plus the District ‌of Columbia, with 922 hospitalisations ‌and ⁠two deaths as of ⁠August 24. At least 11,844 additional cases may require further investigation and analysis, CDC said.

The data include ‌the cases reported in the ongoing multistate outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, CDC said, adding that ‌it is investigating multiple clusters ​of cyclosporiasis.

CDC and FDA are investigating at least six ⁠other clusters for which sources have not yet been confirmed, CDC said.

Michigan, the hardest-hit state, logged a slow 3% rise to 14,277 last week, hinting the outbreak may be easing.

The cyclosporiasis outbreak is one of the ‌largest foodborne illness events in recent U.S. ​history. The illness is caused by the cyclospora parasite, which ⁠can lead to diarrhea, nausea and other ⁠gastrointestinal symptoms.

The outbreak has shaken U.S. consumers nationwide, ‌causing many to forgo eating fresh produce or dining in restaurants.

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