The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting an outbreak of intestinal illness in 31 states – including West Virginia.
At least 47 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in West Virginia since mid-June – most of them in counties along the western border of the state, according to the West Virginia Department Of Epidemiology.
In a normal year, the average is nine.
There have been no deaths reported this year.
Caused by consuming food or beverages contaminated with the cyclospora parasite, symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, cramping, fatigue and low-grade fevers.
Those symptoms can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure, making it harder for investigators to identify a common food item or supplier.
Public health officials say cooking produce to 158 degrees Fahrenheit kills the parasite and is an effective way to avoid infection. They also recommend washing fresh produce thoroughly.
Symptoms can last for weeks but antibiotics are available to treat the illness.
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