Two cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
One case was in the Pine Belt, and another was along the Gulf Coast.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, and previous outbreaks have frequently been linked to fresh produce. The illness is not typically spread directly from one person to another.
The most common symptom is prolonged, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue and increased gas. Symptoms generally begin about a week after infection and can continue for weeks or return after appearing to improve.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of 1,645 laboratory-confirmed cases acquired within the United States since May 1. More than 5,100 additional illnesses are being reviewed to determine whether they meet the definition of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis. Confirmed cases have been reported in 34 states.
Of the confirmed patients with available information, 141 were hospitalized and no deaths had been reported, according to the CDC.
Health officials encourage people experiencing symptoms to contact a medical provider for testing and treatment.