MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – The CDC has confirmed more than 1,600 cases of a parasite causing severe stomach illness across the nation. The Mobile County Health Department says two of those cases are in Mobile County.
Cyclosporiasis is a foodborne illness caused by the parasite cyclospora. Health officials say the parasite spreads through contaminated food or water.
Alabama cases
Statewide, the Alabama Department of Public Health reports 21 cases. One person has been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Of those 21 Alabama cases, state health officials say three are linked to international travel and five others are tied to two separate foodborne outbreaks at Mexican-style restaurants in the state.
Symptoms and treatment
Dr. Kevin Michaels, health officer for Mobile County, says symptoms include frequent bouts of watery or explosive diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, and fatigue…