Parasite causing 'explosive diarrhoea' is spreading across the US

A parasitic infection which can lead to 'explosive diarrhoea' is currently spreading in the US.

The infection has been reported in dozens of patients in Michigan, as well as in some other US states.

It is spread through contaminated food and water, and according to a report from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases have been rising since May.

At present at least 20 people have been confirmed as having been admitted to hospital with the infection across the US.

Now, the CDC has launched an investigation to identify where the parasitic infection, which is often linked to fresh produce, may have originated.

This is particularly prevalent in Michigan, where officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) told TODAY.com that they are investigating a 'sudden and large' spike in cases.

Fresh produce washed with contaminated water can spread the condition (Getty Stock)

The condition in question is called cyclosporiasis, and symptoms can include 'explosive' and watery diarrhoea.

According to the NHS, in addition to diarrhoea the parasitic infection can also lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, feeling tired, aching in the muscles, feeling sick or nauseous, as well as bloating and flatulence and a fever.

Diarrhoea can in turn lead to dehydration, and make it easier for disease to spread.

A spokesperson for the MDHHS said: “Michigan typically identifies 50 cases a year."

According to the CDC it is a seasonal illness and usually becomes most prevalent between May and August, and it is also not uncommon for infections to go up in the summer.

While it is a seasonal illness, the spike in cases in Michigan has sparked an alert in health bodies.

Officials have also urged people to seek medical attention if they begin to experience symptoms.

The parasite is spread through contaminated water (Getty Stock)

According to Cleveland Clinic, the condition is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, and is frequently linked to contaminated water.

This in turn can create a link to fresh produce, as the fruit and veg may have been washed or treated using water that is contaminated with the parasite.

Between May 1 and June 16 145 cases of the condition were reported across 17 US states, the CDC reported, not including the Michigan cases.

In a statement on July 1 the CDC said that currently there is 'no evidence of a single, multi-state cyclospora outbreak linking all cases', and added that investigations are currently ongoing into the outbreak.

The agency added that if someone is experiencing severe symptoms then they should get in touch with their healthcare provider, and contact their health department if they test positive.

The NHS advises that the parasite is 'not found in the UK', however Brits should be aware if they are travelling abroad.