New York City is currently experiencing a major rise in cases of cyclosporiasis, which is a parasitic infection known for giving rise to serious, watery, and explosive diarrhea.
As per officials in the health department, a total of 273 confirmed cases have been recorded in the city since the start of May, bringing the total statewide and citywide counts far above past baselines.
Cyclosporiasis is often caused by the cyclospora parasite, usually contracted by ingesting food or water that was contaminated with fecal matter. Alongside explosive diarrhea, infected individuals face serious stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and fever. If left untreated, symptoms could last for a month or more, posing a major risk of dehydration.
While it's usually linked to international travel in different tropical regions, many current patients have yet to travel to America. This strongly indicates that the source is contaminated domestic or imported produce. Health officials are yet to pinpoint the specific food item.
Treatment for this infection is not usually spread from one person to the next, and is treated using a standard course of antibiotics.