The Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak Is About to Get Much Bigger

[Nevilledog]

https://www.wired.com/story/explosive-diarrhea-outbreak-about-to-get-bigger/

No paywall link
https://archive.md/20260715113023/https://www.wired.com/story/explosive-diarrhea-outbreak-about-to-get-bigger/

THE US’S EXPLOSIVE diarrhea problem is worse than you think—and it's about to get even messier.

The country is grappling with a large and fast-spreading outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes extreme gastrointestinal distress. There are nearly 7,000 potential cases, more than 3,300 of which are in Michigan alone as of Tuesday, and state officials have identified tainted lettuce as the likely culprit.

The actual case count is almost certainly higher, though, because most people don’t seek medical care when they get diarrhea. And even when they do, labs don’t routinely test for cyclosporiasis, says Jeanne Marrazzo, CEO of Infectious Diseases Society of America. She estimates cases are at least double the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s numbers.

“That’s because of underdiagnosis and also because there are cases that are likely to be mild. Many people aren't going to declare themselves and get counted,” she says. Cyclosporiasis isn’t as common as other foodborne illnesses, meaning it’s not included in standard panels that test for several types of gastrointestinal disease.

But for many folks who get sick, the effects are, let’s just say, not pleasant. “A lot of times with diarrhea, you have an episode and you feel better,” says Marrazzo. “With this, it just can kind of go on and on, and it really takes people out.”

Bad enough, yes. But about that whole getting worse thing.

*snip*

[pfitz59]

1. EPA has relaxed claen water standards

and aging water treatment plants are failing

[TexLaProgressive]

6. I suspect that this is not from tap water

My guess is that it is fecal contaminated irrigation water, from rivers and lakes.

[Blues Heron]

2. remember to boil your lettuce thoroughly before using it

[Blaukraut]

3. Turn everything into a soup or stew n/t

[Ilsa]

8. Scrub your leafys with Brillo pads and bleach.

Then put the lettuce on Dotard's McBurger.

[Blues Heron]

10. remember to wear ketchup-proof protective gear!

[Fiendish Thingy]

4. The Dems better run ads with Bobby Brainworms' face plastered all over them

Especially in Michigan.

[some_of_us_are_sane]

12. BOBBY BRAINWORM...ah oh!

YIKES!

[Fiendish Thingy]

14. Perfect cartoon!

All it needs is a little speech bubble for the worm saying “How’d you like that Trumporrhea?”

[some_of_us_are_sane]

16. LOL!

[eppur_se_muova]

5. So ... the dam is about to break ? Gross. nt

[Coventina]

7. Is it about to hit the fan?

Seriously, I am scared.

This illness seems like it will kill those who are frail.

I'm not "frail" but I do have health issues.

[Ilsa]

15. Chronic diarrhea can wreak havoc on electrolytes,

your muscles, including your heart. That's for starters. Over time it can lead to poor nutrient absorption, malnutrition, chronic fatigue, and a weakened immune system.

[Mossfern]

9. Has there been a run on frozen veggies?

One would expect that.
If it weren't so GD hot today, I'd go stock up on them.
I take Warfarin and suddenly stopping eating greens could cause havoc on my INR.

[BannonsLiver]

11. I just ate a very large salad so you're probably right.

[Nevilledog]

13. May the odds be ever in your favor