Missouri health officials report 80 current cases of cyclosporiasis

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Cases of cyclosporiasis continue to multiply across the country, and the state of Missouri’s count is no different.

As of Thursday morning, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has reported 80 cases of the disease this week, which has been linked to “explosive diarrhea” across the country.

Days ago, the case number was 43.

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause a type of food poisoning called cyclosporiasis. The most notable symptom people report is frequent, watery diarrhea. This is different than the occasional diarrhea and should be taken seriously, the health department stated.

The state of Kansas has listed 55 cases of the disease, with 25 of those in Johnson County.

On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services identified lettuce and other greens in salad as a potential source of the outbreak. There, more than 3,300 cases have been reported.

As that was taking place, fast-food giant Taco Bell issued a statement acknowledging it had “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants as a precautionary measure. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow the guidance of public health authorities.”

Symptoms of the cyclosporiasis occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include:

• frequent watery diarrhea
• loss of appetite and weight
• abdominal cramps and bloating
• nausea
• low-grade fever