CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (WVBPH) is reporting a significant increase in cases of cyclospora, with 47 illnesses confirmed across the state as of Thursday.
The increase comes after the West Virginia Department of Health reported 22 cases on July 2, meaning the number of reported illnesses has more than doubled in just over a week.
According to the WVBPH, the 47 reported cases have occurred since June 17. On average, West Virginia records about nine cyclospora cases each year.
Health officials said the illnesses are currently concentrated in counties along the state’s western border.
At this time, epidemiologic investigators have not identified a common food item, produce supplier, grower or distributor linked to the outbreak.
Cyclospora is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water, and symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure.
The most common symptom is prolonged watery diarrhea, which may be accompanied by loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, vomiting and a low-grade fever.
State health officials continue investigating the cases to determine the source of the infections.
