Cyclospora cases in Missouri have nearly doubled for the second consecutive week, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite that’s caused havoc on thousands of people’s stomachs nationwide, with the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention Control reporting that 45 states have at least one case in a July 28 update.

Cyclosporiasis cases in Missouri have jumped from 593, reported July 26, to 1,095, the Sunday, Aug. 2, report from Missouri DHSS said.

The data doesn’t say what counties have reported cases with the gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, and the Missouri DHSS says it won’t release county numbers due to confidentiality concerns.

The DHSS is investigating the source of the illnesses, which appears to be separate from the Taylor Farms lettuce outbreak that has sickened others.

Jackson County Public Health reported 18 additional cases since July 27, bringing its yearly total to 164. Dr. Adeyemi Adedokun, an epidemiologist with Jackson County Public Health, said the numbers are likely higher since the department only tracks certain parts of the county, like Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit.

Platte County Health Department reported three additional cases since July 27, bringing its yearly total to nine. The county also said there is one probable case of a cyclospora infection currently under investigation.

Other city and county health departments, such as the Kansas City Health Department, City Of Independence Health Department and the Clay County Public Health Center, have not responded to requests as of publication.

Nationwide, the CDC has confirmed 6,707 domestic cases since May, and about 11,500 others are undergoing further testing to determine whether the illness was acquired stateside. Nine states are linked to the multistate outbreak caused by iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, according to the CDC: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and West Virginia.

How can you prevent cyclospora?

Adedokun provided these tips to protect yourself from cyclospora:

— Avoid iceberg lettuce, shredded lettuce, packaged salad blends matching the recalled products and discard any on hand.

— Exercise general caution with fresh, ready-to-eat produce commonly associated with cyclospora, including romaine lettuce, raspberries, basil, cilantro and green onions.

— Thoroughly wash fresh produce before consumption, though washing does not fully eliminate risk.

— Cook food to internal temperature of 158°F (70°C).

— Seek medical care for prolonged or relapsing watery diarrhea, and ask your provider to specifically request cyclospora testing, as it is not reliably detected on routine stool exams.

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