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(NEXSTAR) – It’s been a tough summer for the nation’s food supply, with multiple outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, including what appears to be the largest outbreak of the “explosive” diarrhea-causing parasite cyclospora.
As of Wednesday, there have been more than 20,000 suspected cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. Two residents of Michigan, the hardest-hit state in the outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, died after becoming ill. Health officials noted, though, that “both individuals had significant underlying health conditions.”
There are at least three additional outbreaks of cyclospora under investigation in the U.S., according to the Food and Drug Administration. Meanwhile, the agency is also investigating multiple outbreaks of salmonella, with two of the largest linked to recalled eggs and jalapeño peppers that were available at Chipotle and Qdoba restaurants.
The map below shows where cases in the three major outbreaks – both salmonella outbreaks and the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce – have been confirmed.
While both cyclosporiasis and salmonella can leave you feeling quite unwell, their common sources, symptoms, and treatments can vary.
How are salmonella and cyclosporiasis spread?
The bacteria and parasite responsible for salmonella and cyclosporiasis, respectively, can be found in water and food. In the U.S., it’s usually food that causes outbreaks of either, while animals have also been linked to salmonella cases.
Eggs and backyard poultry have been blamed in recent salmonella outbreaks, while pet reptiles have also been implicated. According to the CDC, fruits, pork, seed vegetables, nuts, beef, and turkey are among the most frequent sources of salmonella infections. Any food, like flour, can become contaminated, the CDC notes.
The cyclospora parasite, however, is most frequently linked to produce. In addition to lettuce, other foods historically blamed for cyclosporiasis cases include raspberries, basil, cilantro, green onions, snow peas and mesclun. Blackberries, watercress, mango and vegetable trays may also have been implicated in outbreaks, according to a study.
While salmonella can be spread between humans, cyclosporiasis is not believed to be transmitted from person to person.
What are the symptoms of salmonella and cyclosporiasis?
Both foodborne illnesses have relatively similar symptoms.
Salmonella infections are commonly associated with watery diarrhea (which may contain blood or mucus) and severe stomach cramps, according to the CDC. You may also experience a headache, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite.
The main symptom among those with cyclosporiasis is frequent, watery diarrhea that can be loud and “sometimes explosive,” the CDC and Cleveland Clinic explain. Other symptoms can include a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, “bloating, including burping and farting,” low-grade fever, and extreme tiredness.
When the symptoms begin, however, varies.
Symptoms of a salmonella infection can begin between six hours and six days after you’ve ingested the bacteria. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis, however, can set in between two days and two weeks after being infected.
Salmonella symptoms last about four to seven days, while cyclosporiasis can linger for weeks without treatment.
How are salmonella and cyclosporiasis treated?
For both illnesses, medical experts recommend seeking care if you have diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than two days, bloody stool or urine, a fever above 102° Fahrenheit, or signs of dehydration.
Because of the latter, the CDC encourages drinking plenty of fluids if you become infected with salmonella or cyclospora.
Anti-diarrheal medications can also be used, unless you’re experiencing bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that has lasted over two days, or a fever with diarrhea. Those with severe illness may be prescribed antibiotics.
It’s also possible that you recover from either illness on your own and never require medical care.
To protect yourself from salmonella, the CDC recommends washing your hands and safe food handling and storage.
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