Cyclospora Outbreak: Cyclosporiasis cases surge across NC as health officials work to find source

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina health officials are reporting a sharp increase in cyclosporiasis, with hundreds of new cases identified over the past week as investigators continue searching for the source of the outbreak.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said there have been 561 reported cases statewide since May 1, an increase of 254 cases from the agency's previous update last week.

Officials also reported three additional hospitalizations, bringing the total number linked to the outbreak to 16.

NCDHHS officials have not yet identified a single source of the infections. In North Carolina, reported cases have been associated with uncooked produce, including parsley, cilantro and lettuce.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have investigated at least five separate cyclospora outbreak clusters. Three of the clusters are considered closed closed, while efforts continue to identify the sources of the remaining outbreaks.

In response to the rise in cases, Wake County Public School System and Durham Public Schools have temporarily removed certain produce items from their menus as a precaution.

Health experts are advising consumers to take additional steps when handling fresh vegetables. For those purchasing lettuce, experts recommend choosing bulkhead lettuce rather than bagged greens because the outer leaves can be removed and discarded before washing the remaining portions thoroughly with cold running water.

"If you can, you want to cook your vegetables up to at least 158 degrees, and then before you're even touching anything in the kitchen, it's always a good idea to making sure you're washing your hands with soap and water," said Youri Benadjaoud of the ABC News Medical Unit. "That will not only help prevent this parasite, but also reduce the risk of other foodborne illnesses."

Symptoms can include diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and extreme fatigue. No deaths have been reported in the US in connected to the outbreak.

"The good news here is that this illness is typically not life threatening. Most people actually recover within a couple of days to well over a month. The concern is obviously those that are more at risk, so older adults, pregnant women, young children. If you are concerned and you're living in one of these states (with cases), perhaps you're noticing some of these symptoms from this illness, you can always talk to your doctor because you can get tested. There's a specific antibiotic that can help shorten both the length and (lessen) the severity of your illness," said Benadjaoud.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is scheduled to hold a news conference at 2 p.m. to discuss the latest case numbers and the ongoing investigation.