All articles tagged with #diarrhea
The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is not proven to help diarrhea or nausea and is too nutritionally restrictive; it should be used for only up to 24 hours, then gradually reintroduce more nutrient-rich, easily digestible foods and prioritize hydration, while avoiding acidic, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, fried or spicy foods (especially in children).
A 29-year-old Tennessee food reviewer and TikTok creator, Christina Hart, reveals she contracted cyclosporiasis—a parasitic infection marked by severe diarrhea, bloating, and other symptoms—after initially mistaking it for food poisoning; she was sick for about three weeks, lost 17 pounds, paused her posting schedule, and faced a mental toll, but ultimately recovered and found that sharing her experience boosted her follower growth and opened new opportunities.
Amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak spanning 45 states, doctors say antibiotics are needed for treatment, but using a bidet can help reduce skin irritation and lower the risk of fecal-oral transmission during frequent bathroom trips. Bidets offer gentler, continuous cleaning and are a comfort measure rather than a infection-prevention tool; proper handwashing, surface disinfection, and staying home while infectious remain essential. Additional home care tips include barrier creams, lukewarm water and pat-drying, and fragrance- and alcohol-free wipes if a bidet isn’t available.
A 2026 outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. has sickened more than 4,100 people, linked to contaminated produce from Mexico. The illness stems from Cyclospora cayetanensis infecting intestinal cells, but the severe, sometimes explosive diarrhea is largely driven by the body’s immune response—especially helper T cells and the interferon-gamma pathway. Severity and duration depend on immune strength: young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for prolonged illness and dehydration, while repeated exposure can lessen disease severity. Diagnosis is through stool tests and treatment typically requires a 7–10 day course of antibiotics; there is no vaccine yet to prevent cyclosporiasis.
During a Las Vegas concert, Kelly Clarkson joked she might have contracted cyclospora, a lettuce-linked parasite causing explosive diarrhea, after a bathroom scare, quipping about warm toilets and joking she’ll be single forever, a moment that drew social-media praise amid ongoing outbreak context in the U.S.
A cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce used in Taco Bell meals has sickened thousands across multiple states. People typically experience frequent watery diarrhea, dehydration and flu-like symptoms for weeks. Diagnosis requires stool testing (often PCR or microscopy), and treatment usually includes the antibiotic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, with alternatives for those allergic. Most recover with careful hydration and a bland diet, but persistent diarrhea or signs of dehydration warrant medical evaluation, and public health authorities are tracing exposures.
The CDC reports 1,645 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases linked to lettuce used in Taco Bell locations, prompting social media jokes; HuffPost compiles 23 jokes in this lighthearted take on the health outbreak.
CDC warns that many summer stomach bugs may actually be Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause longer, more severe diarrhea and cramping. Since May, the U.S. has logged over 1,600 domestic cases across 34 states, with thousands more under investigation. Diagnosis requires specific stool testing ordered by a clinician, and treatment with the antibiotic TMP-SMX can cure the infection, with emphasis on hydration and follow-up care.
Thousands in the U.S. are sickened by Cyclospora, with CDC estimates near 7,000 (Michigan alone over 4,300), while social media amplifies fear and misattribution about the parasite; diagnosis is challenging because Cyclospora isn’t routinely tested, but it’s treatable with antibiotics like Bactrim/Septra, and thorough washing of produce can reduce risk.
A cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened about 4,000 Americans this year across many states. The source is hard to pin down because the parasite is carried by fresh produce (often globally sourced) and illness can appear 2–14 days after exposure, with the CDC’s reduced workforce amplifying tracing gaps as states lead investigations. Public health guidance urges cooking produce where possible, thorough washing, avoiding damaged items, refrigerating leftovers promptly, and staying hydrated if symptoms occur; officials expect the source may involve multiple products and origin points as investigations continue.
Michigan officials say lettuce or salad greens could be the source of a national cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened about 3,000 people across 31 states (with 86 hospitalizations); Michigan accounts for the majority of cases (~2,640). Investigators have not pinpointed a specific product, grower, or supplier. The parasite can cause watery diarrhea, dehydration and flu-like symptoms, and is treatable with fluids and antibiotics. Health officials advise avoiding prepackaged salads, buying whole heads of lettuce, rinsing thoroughly (discarding outer leaves), and cooking vegetables when possible.
An expanding cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to 32 states with about 2,944 confirmed cases as of July 10, including Michigan (1,562 cases) as the epicenter; California has 1–10 cases, while New York (470) and Ohio (364) follow. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea, usually appearing about a week after infection. Officials suspect food contamination but have not identified a specific source. Treatment is a 10-day course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and prevention focuses on washing produce, trimming bruised areas, refrigerating pre-cut items, and thorough handwashing.
A Detroit mom of three was diagnosed with cyclosporiasis after days of nausea, vomiting and fatigue, losing about 10 pounds in five days; her symptoms have lingered for weeks, and her treatment is complicated by a Bactrim allergy, while health officials investigate a rising outbreak tied to contaminated produce.
More than 170 Michiganders have contracted cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing watery, explosive diarrhea. Health officials are investigating a multi-county outbreak linked to imported fresh produce. The CDC urges preventive steps: wash hands before and after handling produce, rinse produce under running water, scrub firm fruits and vegetables, cut away damaged areas, and refrigerate cut or cooked produce promptly. Some outbreaks have been tied to items like basil, cilantro, raspberries and lettuce. If symptoms occur, seek medical care for possible antibiotic treatment and hydration.
The CDC is investigating a summer surge of cyclosporiasis caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, with about 145 people infected across multiple states. The main symptom is watery diarrhea, accompanied by loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Infections are typically linked to contaminated food or water; there is no evidence of person-to-person spread, and most patients had not recently traveled outside the U.S. States including New York, Illinois and Texas report cases, and health authorities are continuing investigations as the cyclosporiasis season (roughly May-August) continues. No deaths have been reported.