CDC, DHSS Issue Health Advisory For Spiking Cyclosporiasis Cases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services issued a nationwide health advisory following a significant surge in domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases, with more than 1,600 confirmed infections across 34 states.
Health care providers are asked to maintain a high index of suspicion for the Cyclospora parasite in patients presenting with prolonged, watery or relapsing diarrhea. Standard routine gastrointestinal or ova and parasite tests frequently fail to detect it. Clinicians are advised that explicitly requesting a specific Cyclospora laboratory test may be necessary.
Cyclosporiasis is a Category 3 reportable disease, requiring providers to report all suspected and confirmed cases to local public health authorities or DHSS within three calendar days.
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.