Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas is continuing to see a rise in reported cyclosporiasis cases, with the total reaching 252 as of the latest update from the Arkansas Department of Health.
The Monday report from ADH showed that the number of infections increased over the Aug. 8 weekend, adding another 47 cases to the state’s total since Friday. The state had reported 205 cases at the end of last week.
The increase marks another sharp rise in infections over a relatively short period. Just one week earlier, Arkansas had 173 reported cases. The number was only 10 on July 14, showing how quickly the intestinal parasitic disease has spread across the state in recent weeks.
Benton County continues to account for the largest share of reported cases. The county now has 147 infections, up from 124 reported on Friday.
Several other counties are also reporting significant numbers. Washington County, which borders Benton County, has 22 reported cases, while Boone County has 24.
The latest numbers also expanded the geographic area where cases have been reported. On Monday, the Arkansas Department of Health added White and Fulton counties to its map showing counties with between one and 10 reported infections.
Other counties currently listed with one to 10 cases include Miller, Saline, Pulaski, Faulkner, Van Buren, Searcy, Marion, Carroll, Washington, Crawford and Sebastian.
Several counties were recently added to that group as the number of reported infections continued to grow. Those additions include Searcy, Grant, Madison, Newton, Pope, Woodruff and Greene.
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The expanding list of affected counties highlights that the infections are not limited to one part of Arkansas. While Benton County remains the clear center of the reported cases, health officials are continuing to monitor reports from communities across the state.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
The Food and Drug Administration has noted that previous cyclosporiasis outbreaks have been associated with a variety of fresh produce. Foods linked to past outbreaks have included raspberries, cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas and leafy greens.
Health officials also warn that infection is not limited to food consumed in the United States. People can acquire cyclosporiasis while traveling outside the country if they consume contaminated food or water.
The continued rise in Arkansas cases comes as health officials track the growing number of infections and identify counties where cases are being reported.
The latest figures show just how much the situation has changed since mid-July. From 10 reported cases on July 14, Arkansas has now reached 252 cases, an increase of 242 infections in less than a month.
Benton County’s increase has been particularly notable. Its total rose by 23 cases from Friday’s report, bringing the county to 147 cases and leaving it well ahead of every other county in the state.
Washington and Boone counties are the next highest among those specifically identified in the latest report, with 22 and 24 cases respectively.
As the state continues to receive reports, additional counties could appear on the health department’s case map. The addition of White and Fulton counties on Monday was the latest expansion of the list.
For now, the Arkansas Department of Health continues to provide updated information as it tracks the outbreak. The state’s latest total of 252 reported cases represents a substantial increase from the numbers seen only a few weeks ago.
Health officials’ reminders about fresh produce and contaminated water also highlight the importance of food and water safety when considering how cyclosporiasis can spread. Previous outbreaks have involved several types of fresh produce, while international travel can provide another possible source of exposure.
The situation remains under monitoring as Arkansas moves through August, with Benton County continuing to report the highest number of cases and new counties being added to the list of communities with infections.
