ATLANTA, GA — A parasitic illness outbreak has sickened two Georgians in the last month who ate at restaurants in Florida, the Centers for Disease Control has announced. The cyclosporiasis outbreak has hit patients in 11 states, sending four to hospitals, and tainted fresh basil seems to be the cause of the illness, the CDC said. Officials with the CDC, several states and public health and regulatory agencies are working to prevent the spread of infections.

Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanesis. CDC's analysis of epidemiologic information indicates that contaminated fresh basil from Mexico is the likely cause of many of the illnesses across the country, but Georgia officials have not yet confirmed the link.

It is unknown at this time if all reported cases of Cyclospora infection in the United States are linked to fresh basil. Other possible sources are also being investigated, authorities said. As of July 25, Georgia had two laboratory confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis reported.People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces or stool that contain the parasite.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include: Watery diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Cramping

Bloating

Increased gas

Nausea

Fatigue If left untreated, symptoms of cyclosporiasis can last from a few days to over a month, and may return several times after the illness initially resolves and follow a remitting-relapsing course, according to health officials.

As of July 24, a total of 132 people with laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infections associated with this outbreak have been reported from 11 states: CT (1), FL (22), GA (2), IA (2), MA (1), MN (29), NY (69), OH (3), RI (1), SC (1), and WI (1), according to the Centers for Disease Control. Exposures were reported at restaurants in four states (Florida, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio).

In the United States, most reported cases have occurred during the months of May through August, peaking in June and July.

Advice for consumers: Do not buy, eat, or serve any fresh basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico.

Do not consume or serve uncooked items like pesto or salad that may include fresh basil from Mexico.

If consumers cannot determine if the basil is from this company, they should avoid basil from Mexico. If they do not know what country the basil is from, they should avoid it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has requested a voluntary recall of basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV and the firm has agreed. FDA has increased import screening on basil and will continue to investigate the cause and source of the outbreak as well as the distribution of products.