A parasitic infection known for causing intense, watery diarrhea is spiking across the country.
But how concerned do you need to be?
Here, we’ll break down what cyclosporiasis is, whether it’s in your city and how concerned you need to be for your personal safety.
Is Cyclosporiasis Deadly? How Dangerous Is the ‘Poop Parasite’?
Cyclosporiasis, an infection of the small intestine caused by the parasite cyclospora cayetanensis, isn’t new, but states across the country have reported an increase in cases.
In Philadelphia, officials said the number of cases have yet to exceed the baseline for this time of year.
But how concerned should you be about the infection, and how dangerous is it really?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those infected with the parasite may or may not experience symptoms of cyclosporiasis, like frequent watery diarrhea and cramping or bloating.
For those individuals, most with healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. Still, in some, the illness could last for over a month for those experiencing symptoms left untreated.
While the CDC does not describe the illness as particularly fatal in and of itself, those with already compromised immune systems or those in poor health “may be at a higher risk for severe or long illnesses,” the CDC says.
Per the centers, the infection is treatable with certain medications, and those who believe they are infected should see a doctor for testing and treatment.
Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY’s Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.
Reporting by Kaitlyn McCormick, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY
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