cyclosporiasis outbreak
Definition
A sustained and geographically widespread increase in cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, usually transmitted through contaminated fresh produce.
A public health scenario where multiple clusters of parasitic illness are identified across several regions, often requiring coordinated investigation by agencies like the CDC and FDA.
Examples
The CDC is currently tracking a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has turned the simple act of eating a summer salad into an involuntary extreme sport.
Because of the latest cyclosporiasis outbreak, I have decided that my diet will consist exclusively of items that have spent enough time in a deep fryer to incinerate any biological threat.
It is truly comforting to know that while our public health infrastructure faces budget cuts, the humble Cyclospora parasite is working overtime to ensure every state gets its fair share of national attention.