18 states across the county, including Texas, are currently ravaged with cyclosporiasis, a stomach parasite that causes, among other things, “explosive” diarrhea.
Denton County was the first to confirm cases of cyclosporiasis, with two reports so far this season, though several more counties have reported its presence now, including Dallas County.
According to the Dallas Morning News, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services said 48 cases have been reported in Texas from the beginning of May through July 6, including a total of five reported hospitalizations.
Dallas County is reportedly investing eight to ten cases, Tarrant County has confirmed no more than five, and Collin and Denton counties have each seen two cyclosporiasis cases.
Dr. Philip Huang, the Dallas County public health director, said that cyclosporiasis cases are reported each year, but it’s beginning to look like there are more cases this year than in previous years.
“It does seem like [it’s] increased over last year,” he said. “We’re still assessing how this trend compares to last year.”
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