The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reported Wednesday that Greene County is the first county in Northeast Arkansas to confirm cases of Cyclospora, as the state's total reaches 205 lab-confirmed infections.
This marks an increase from the 173 cases reported on Monday. While the majority of cases are concentrated in northwest Arkansas, Cyclospora infections have also been confirmed in Greene and Woodruff Counties, each reporting fewer than 10 cases.
Benton County has the highest number of infections, with 124 confirmed cases. Washington County follows with 19 cases, Boone County with 14, and Carroll County with 10.
Cyclospora, a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water, causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, often with frequent and explosive bowel movements. The Arkansas Department of Health noted that infections typically rise during the spring and summer months but acknowledged that this year's case count is higher than in previous years.
“After an investigation, it was determined that the increase in cases in Arkansas is, in part, associated with the ongoing multistate outbreak,” the ADH stated.
The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce, according to an investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Further details about the FDA’s findings are available online.
To reduce the risk of cyclospora infections, the ADH advises Arkansans to take precautions such as thoroughly washing fresh produce, drinking safe water, and washing hands regularly. Symptoms of cyclospora may appear one to two weeks after exposure.
Additional information can be found on the Arkansas Department of Health website or the CDC Cyclosporiasis Outbreaks and Investigations page.