Cyclosporiasis In MD: Officials Record Nearly 70 Cases Through July

New figures released by the Maryland Department of Health show that cyclosporiasis cases have more than doubled in just one week.

Health officials have confirmed 69 cases of cyclosporiasis in Maryland, 65 of which were documented between May 1 and July 14.

"These data include cases that are domestically acquired and those associated with international travel," the department said in a statement.

Previous numbers released by the agency showed that authorities had confirmed just 32 cases since the start of the year.

Related: Cases of Diarrhea-Causing Parasite Reported In MD

Officials have still not been able to identify a common link to the parasitic illness that has become widely known for causing "explosive" diarrhea.

Cyclosporiasis can be contracted by consuming contaminated foods or water. Foods linked to past outbreaks have included a mix of greens and vegetables, such as parsley, broccoli and cilantro.

It cannot be spread person to person as the parasite is passed through bowel movement and can take days or weeks before becoming infectious.

In addition to watery diarrhea, other symptoms include appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, bloating, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, and body aches, among others. Symptoms vary by individuals and can begin to show up to 14 days after cyclosporiasis is contracted.

What's The CDC Said?

The latest update issued by the CDC on Tuesday said a total of 34 states are linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak that has amounted to 1,645 confirmed cases since May 1.

However, an additional 5,100 reports of people who are infected still need to be confirmed through state agencies.

From the confirmed cases, 141 incidents involved hospitalizations. To date, no one has died as a result of the illness.

Michigan, which has become a cyclosporiasis hotspot, is said to be close to pinpointing a source. State officials previously flagged lettuce and salad greens based on interviews with people who contracted the parasite.

Officials have not been able to determine if a single grower or produce supplier is at the root of the outbreak.