Parasite Found in Minnesota Can Make You Sick – How to Avoid it

If you've had an upset stomach this summer, a parasitic outbreak could be to blame. The sickness has spread to at least 22 states, including the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes.

The parasite outbreak has been linked to food and or water that has been contaminated with human feces.

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What is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection that mainly targets a person's intestinal tract. Here's what the Minnesota Department of Public Health has to say about it:

Cyclosporiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by the protozoan parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with feces that contain the parasite. In the last 5 years, 1 to 156 cases of cyclosporiasis have been diagnosed in Minnesota each year. The increase in cases in recent years is due in large part to the increased availability of tests that can detect Cyclospora in stool.

-Minnesota Department of Public Health Website

According to Everyday Health, Minnesota is listed as one of the states in which cyclosporiasis has been detected. Cyclosporiasis is typically linked to imported fresh produce.

To learn more about Cycloporiasis, its transmission, and treatment, check out this article from the Minnesota Department of Public Health. You can also learn more about cyclosporiasis on the Center For Disease Control Website.

Story Sources: Everyday Health Website, CDC Website, Minnesota Department of Public Health Website