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Diarrhea

All articles tagged with #diarrhea

Cyclosporiasis outbreak widens to 32 states, Michigan hardest hit
health5 hours ago

Cyclosporiasis outbreak widens to 32 states, Michigan hardest hit

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.

Produce safety tips as Michigan sees cyclosporiasis outbreak
health10 days ago

Produce safety tips as Michigan sees cyclosporiasis outbreak

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.

Cyclospora parasite drives US-wide diarrheal outbreak, CDC reports
health11 days ago

Cyclospora parasite drives US-wide diarrheal outbreak, CDC reports

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.

Cyclospora outbreak expands across 17 states with 145 cases
health11 days ago

Cyclospora outbreak expands across 17 states with 145 cases

The CDC reports about 145 people across 17 states infected with Cyclospora cayetanensis (cyclosporiasis), with 20 hospitalizations and New York seeing the most cases. Infections are linked to contaminated food or water, and none of the patients have traveled abroad recently; public health authorities are investigating potential sources. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue, typically starting about a week after exposure, and while illness can last days to weeks, there have been no deaths yet.

Boise Rotavirus Surge Detected in Wastewater Prompts Health Advisory
health1 month ago

Boise Rotavirus Surge Detected in Wastewater Prompts Health Advisory

Wastewater testing shows high rotavirus levels in the Boise area, signaling a contagious stomach flu that mainly endangers infants and young children. Common symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, with dehydration being a major risk that can require hospitalization. There is no specific antiviral treatment; most cases are managed with rest and fluids, though more serious cases may need hospital care. Vaccination is the best prevention, supplemented by thorough handwashing and routine surface disinfection to slow spread. Seek medical care for dehydration, persistent vomiting, high fever, or severe abdominal pain, and be aware of rare complications like intussusception that require urgent attention.

U.S. Faces Growing Threat from Drug-Resistant Shigella, CDC Warns
health2 months ago

U.S. Faces Growing Threat from Drug-Resistant Shigella, CDC Warns

CDC warns of a rise in extensively drug-resistant Shigella infections in the United States—from 0% resistance in 2011 to 8.5% in 2023—with about a third of patients hospitalized; Shigella spreads easily via contaminated water, food, surfaces, or person-to-person contact and causes shigellosis with diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach pain 1–2 days after exposure, lasting about a week. Most mild cases improve with fluids and rest, but serious cases may require antibiotics, though there is not an approved treatment for shigellosis in the U.S. Populations at higher risk include children under 5, travelers, men who have sex with men, and people experiencing homelessness.

Goldilocks Zone for Bowel Habits Tied to Overall Health, Study Finds
health3 months ago

Goldilocks Zone for Bowel Habits Tied to Overall Health, Study Finds

A 2024 ISB-led study of 1,425 generally healthy adults links how often people poop to overall health, identifying a 'Goldilocks' zone of once to twice daily; constipation or diarrhea were associated with microbiome shifts and blood markers of liver stress, suggesting that increasing fiber, water intake, and exercise could nudge people toward healthier bowel habits, though causality remains unproven.

health1 year ago

Ozempic Side Effects: The Emerging Concerns Over 'Ozempic Teeth' and Body Impact

Ozempic, a drug originally for Type-2 diabetes, is increasingly used for weight loss and can cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and external effects such as loose skin or 'Ozempic face' due to rapid fat loss. Medical professionals warn about these potential 'aftermath' effects, which are linked to the drug's impact on digestion and skin elasticity.

"Rapid Spread of Norovirus Across US Prompts CDC Concerns"
health2 years ago

"Rapid Spread of Norovirus Across US Prompts CDC Concerns"

Norovirus is sweeping across Connecticut, causing vomiting and diarrhea, especially in children and older adults, with cases peaking in the winter. The virus is spreading in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic states, and other regions. It is highly contagious and requires specialized cleaners like bleach to kill it. To prevent infection, people are advised to wash hands, disinfect surfaces, and avoid contact with those who are sick. Additionally, it's important to practice food safety and stay home until asymptomatic for 72 hours after symptoms end.

"Underused Cheap Treatment for Child Diarrhea Hinders Effective Care"
health2 years ago

"Underused Cheap Treatment for Child Diarrhea Hinders Effective Care"

Despite the availability of a cheap and effective remedy for potentially fatal diarrheal disease in children, a study suggests that oral rehydration salts (ORS) are underprescribed due to misconceptions among healthcare providers. Diarrhea is a leading cause of death among children under 5 worldwide, and ORS is the front-line treatment for this condition. The study found that provider misconceptions and assumptions about patient preferences contribute to the underprescription of ORS, particularly in poorer and rural areas. Addressing these misconceptions and encouraging patients to request ORS could potentially save children's lives and reduce over-prescription of antibiotics, which contributes to antibiotic resistance.

"Gastrointestinal Outbreak Strikes Luxury Cruise Ship Bound for Hawaii"
health2 years ago

"Gastrointestinal Outbreak Strikes Luxury Cruise Ship Bound for Hawaii"

A mystery gastrointestinal illness has affected 154 passengers aboard the Queen Victoria cruise ship, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. The U.S. CDC is investigating the outbreak, which has occurred during the ship's journey from Fort Lauderdale to Honolulu. The cause of the illness is still unknown, and Cunard Cruise Line is implementing protocols to address the situation.