Explosive Diarrhoea' Parasite Spreads Across US, Baffles Scientists

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Washington: US scientists are looking into the expanding spread of the parasite Cyclospora Cayetanensis, which causes the foodborne disease cyclosporiasis, after an increase in infections across the country left health officials unsure of the source.

The parasite causes acute watery diarrhoea, sometimes described as ‘explosive’ by patients, as well as stomach cramps, nausea, exhaustion, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If left untreated, symptoms can last for weeks or even months, and recurrent episodes are possible without the proper medicine.

According to studies, the majority of infections are caused by consuming fresh vegetables or water contaminated with microscopic parasite eggs. However, tracing the source has become more difficult because spoilt fruits, vegetables, and herbs often pass through complex global supply networks before reaching consumers. Many people are also unable to recollect exactly what they ate in the days before becoming ill.

US public health experts are using genetic sequencing and other modern investigation tools to track the parasite and determine whether recent instances are linked. Scientists say the inexplicable increase in infections has raised worries about food safety and surveillance, particularly during the summer, when cyclosporiasis cases generally peak.