Cyclosporiasis, the stomach illness spreading across the country, is still increasing in Arkansas and one more county in the north central part of the state are reporting cases. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is reporting 132 cases this week, an increase of 53 cases of the sickness in the state. The sickness is now being reported in Searcy County. In last week’s report for the ADH, it was reported in Marion and Boone counties. All three of those counties are reporting less than 10 cases. Benton County in the northwest part of the state leads Arkansas with 75 cases.
The ADH says Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. People can become infected by consuming food or water that contains the parasite. Cyclosporiasis is not usually life-threatening.
As health officials continue investigating the source of the outbreak, focus remains on certain shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in central Mexico, even after the FDA withdrew an earlier positive lab result…