KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Several new cases of cyclosporiasis were reported in Knox County last month as state and federal officials work to deal with the diarrhea-causing parasitic outbreak that has impacted thousands of Americans.
The Knox County Health Department said Monday that nine local cases have been reported since July, one of which was associated with international travel. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in the county to 11 after two were reported earlier in the summer.
Why cyclospora can be deadly for some people
A department official said that the total is higher than normal, but still far below other areas of the country that have been more heavily impacted.
More than 6,000 cases have been confirmed across 15 states in the outbreak traced to recalled iceberg lettuce, and thousands of additional cases are suspected. Two deaths linked to the outbreak were reported last week in Michigan.
▶ See more top stories on WATE.com
Healthcare experts encourage those experiencing symptoms, especially diarrhea that lasts more than a week or two, to seek medical care. Left untreated, cyclosporiasis can stick around for a month or longer…