Urgent warning on what food to avoid as explosive diarrhea parasite rampages across America

Federal health officials are urging Americans to take extra precautions with fresh produce as a parasite linked to severe gastrointestinal illness continues to spread across the country.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed more than 800 cases of cyclosporiasis in more than half of U.S.states, while investigators are also looking into more than 1,500 additional suspected cases, suggesting the outbreak could grow significantly.Data show between that between 1 and 10 California cases have been linked to a broader statewide outbreak as authorities continue tracking the spread.The illness is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which infects the small intestine after people consume contaminated food or water.

According to the CDC, infected people often develop watery diarrhea with “frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements.”The agency said symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure, although they can appear anywhere from two days to more than two weeks later.Gastroenterologist Dr.

Ariel Malamud told KTLA that symptoms often start five to seven days after exposure.State and federal health officials are continuing to investigate multiple outbreaks, but the source has not yet been identified.In previous US outbreaks, Cyclospora has repeatedly been linked to fresh produce, including raspberries, basil, cilantro, green onions, snow peas, lettuce, mesclun and salad mixes.Research has also connected past outbreaks to blackberries, watercress, mangoes and vegetable trays.Health officials in Michigan, one of the states hardest hit during the current outbreak, are beginning to suspect lettuce or salad greens may be responsible, although the investigation remains ongoing.“I’m annoyed at cyclospora,” infectious disease expert Dr.

Bruce Hirsch told WPIX.“Cyclospora is contaminating the most healthful, delicious, seasonal foods there are.”The CDC says people become infected aft...