Hospitals in affected areas have treated close to a thousand people suffering from extreme diarrhea caused by a dangerous parasite. Health authorities have now recorded almost 1,700 cases spanning dozens of regions.
Symptoms strike quickly, with severe stomach pain and explosive diarrhea starting in a short time. Some victims become too weak and end up in hospitals needing immediate IV fluids.
Experts urgently advise the public to scrupulously clean fruits and vegetables before consuming. Local water supplies in certain zones may also be unsafe. Anyone experiencing rectal bleeding or a persistent high temperature should get checked immediately.
The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, spreads exclusively via tainted produce. So far, no source has been pinpointed by investigators.