MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Doctors in Memphis are on the lookout for a parasite linked to severe diarrhea as federal health officials investigate a multistate outbreak.
The parasite is called Cyclospora. It infects the small intestine and can cause profuse, watery diarrhea that may last for days or even weeks.
“It’s known for the term ‘explosive diarrhea,'” said Dr. Steve Threlkeld, an infectious disease specialist at Baptist Memorial Hospital. “And as you probably would guess, the term ‘explosive’ attached to anything medical is probably a bad thing.”…