Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Reaches Nine States

Why it matters locally: While the CDC announcement does not specifically name Tennessee as one of the nine affected states, public health officials across the state, including the Tennessee Department of Health, will be monitoring for any potential cases given the multi-state nature of the outbreak.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis has expanded to include nine states. Federal health officials have identified increased cases of the parasitic illness across this wider geographical area. Cyclosporiasis results from infection with the parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*. Individuals typically contract the parasite by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms often include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. The illness can last for weeks or months if left untreated.