Alabama Reports Only A Few Cyclosporiasis Cases So Far

So far, Alabama is reporting only a few cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness you get from the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. It can run the range of mild to severe cases of watery, and sometimes explosive, diarrhea and other stomach problems. It usually spreads from contaminated water or food with symptoms lasting up to a month.

Other symptoms include Loss of appetite, bloating, including burping and flatulence, extreme fatigue, low-grade fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

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At least 2,944 cases have been reported in 32 states, as of Friday according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC believes the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher than the reported figure because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for the parasite.

Alabama and Mississippi are seeing a few cases of the illness but are surrounded by Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee which have reported significant clusters of the illness.

ADPH cautions that number could rise with summer travel and national food distribution.

The last outbreak in Alabama was in 2023 when a statewide health alert was issued when 139 cases were reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health.  And although there are currently only a few reported cases in Alabama, health officials advise taking adequate precautions, especially during the remaining summer season when outbreaks of the illness are most common.

ADPH advises Alabamians to wash produce under water before consumption, store cut of peeled fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator to stop bacteria or parasites from growing and to stay hydrated (which is recommended in the summer heat anyway).

Most people recover on their own, but CDC encourages seeking medical attention so a physician can prescribe antibiotics.

County and state health departments are mandated by ADPH to report confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis within five days of testing positive.