Expert on why the cyclospora parasite has been so hard to track

The United States is currently grappling with a significant outbreak of cyclosporiasis, with the number of reported cases exceeding 4,000. The parasitic illness, caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water.

Efforts to track and trace the source of the outbreak are underway, involving various public health agencies and researchers. Julie Swann, who leads the department of industrial and systems engineering at North Carolina State University, spoke on "The Daily Report" about the complexities involved in identifying the origins of the parasite.

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The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak surpasses 4,000 cases.

Cyclosporiasis can be challenging to track due to several factors. The parasite's life cycle and the nature of food supply chains can make pinpointing a single source difficult. Symptoms, which often include diarrhea, fatigue, and stomach cramps, can also be non-specific, potentially leading to underreporting or delayed diagnosis. Public health officials are working diligently to identify common factors among those affected, which could include specific food items or geographic locations, to help contain the spread.

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Julie Swann, head of the department of industrial and systems engineering at North Carolina State University, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the tracking and tracing underway as the U.S.' cyclosporiasis outbreak surpasses 4,000 cases.