Missouri reports spike in Cyclospora cases as CDC investigates multistate outbreak

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) — Missouri health officials are urging health care providers to watch for cases of cyclosporiasis after a sharp increase in infections was reported across the state and nationwide.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, more than 80 positive Cyclospora laboratory reports were received between July 7 and July 14. Local public health agencies are investigating the cases in coordination with the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC said that since May 1, it has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis across multiple states and is reviewing more than 5,100 additional cases to determine whether they were acquired in the United States. By comparison, 249 cases had been reported nationwide by the same point last year.

Of the confirmed cases with available information, 141 people were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

Health officials said providers should consider cyclosporiasis in patients experiencing prolonged or recurring watery diarrhea, particularly during the typical May through August season, even if they have not traveled internationally.

The CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state and local health departments are working to identify the source of the outbreak. Missouri health officials are asking providers to promptly report suspected or confirmed cases through established disease reporting procedures.