TULSA, Okla. — Cases of Cyclosporiasis are rising in Oklahoma.
What is it?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. People get infected by consuming food or water containing the parasite. Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening.
The Oklahoma Department of Health launched a new tracker for the outbreak, to count cases and severity across the state.
Originally on July 21st the dashboard reported 116 confirmed cases in the state, with four probable cases. There are 10 hospitalizations.
However, a technical issue prevented some confirmed cases from showing up on the dashboard in the 10 a.m. update. 2 News learned the actual number of confirmed cases in Oklahoma is 170. There are 12 hospitalizations.
Nationwide thousands of people are sick across 31 states.
Health officials eye lettuce in spreading Cyclospora outbreak
So, how do you prevent catching it?
- Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated with feces.
- Follow food safety handling recommendations for safe preparation and storage.
What if you think you have it?
- Go to the doctor. You can start on antibiotics.
- Stay hydrated
- People with healthy immune systems should recover even without treatment.
- People in poor health or who are immunocompromised may be at a higher risk for severe or long illness.
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