NYC man spent weeks suffering from cyclosporiasis: “My body would not allow me to eat food”

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There have been 517 reported cases of the parasitic infection cyclosporiasis across New York state since May, and nearly 400 of them are in New York City, health officials say. It comes as United States health officials investigate outbreaks across the country. “I was having a lot of pain” Chase Strangio, an attorney from Queens, says he spent weeks suffering from the illness. “Felt really lethargic, nauseous, had a low-grade fever, had diarrhea,” he said.

When he began experiencing these symptoms back in May, he thought he had a stomach virus, but as the days progressed, he didn’t see any improvements. “My body would not allow me to eat food, and it even reached the point where drinking water was challenging,” he said, “and I was having a lot of pain.” No one in Strangio’s family got sick, but many friends he had lunch with a week prior did.

“The common ingredient we were able to discern was either a lettuce or a cilantro,” he said. Research led Strangio to request a stool test, which came back positive for Cyclospora, the parasite which causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis. Strangio said he was put on an antibiotic, and he’s now feeling much better. Doctors stress handling produce properly Cyclosporiasis cases have been identified in 34 states since May 1.

In New York City alone, there are 374 cases. “This is three times the amount of our typical rate of Cyclospora infections,” City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet confirmed a specific source for this outbreak, but past outbreaks have been linked to various produce such as raspberries, leafy greens, onions, basil and cilantro.

“The actual parasite lives on the outside of those fruits and vegetables,” Martin said. “And so we’re working with our colleagues at the federal government and at the state to identify, is there one retailer or wholesaler upstream that is particularly causing this.” Mount Sinai South Nassau Chief of Infectious Diseases Dr. Aaron Glatt says it’s not about avoiding fruits and vegetables, but handling them properly.

“Cooking them or making sure that they’re washed well should be adequate,” he said. “If people are just going to eat junk food, that has its risks too … And I think having a well-balanced diet is something that’s very important.” Doctors also stress this is not spread from person to person. It can take up to two weeks for symptoms to appear, and the CDC says they can last longer without treatment. If you think you are infected, seek medical care.

Source: NYC man spent weeks suffering from cyclosporiasis: “My body would not allow me to eat food” – CBS New York

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32

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Flash flooding, stormy weather returning to NYC, New Jersey

Stormy weather and flash flooding are expected to return to the New York City and New Jersey area on Friday. It’s a First Alert Weather Day for isolated downpours, scattered flash flooding and isolated severe thunderstorms across the region. The day starts off partly cloudy and muggy with temperatures around 70 degrees. Showers and storms will develop in the afternoon into the evening.  CBS News New York Communities in both states have been on edge about the severe weather threat, which comes days after storms inundated neighborhoods and even caused the roof of a BJ’s Wholesale Club to collapse in Ocean Township, New Jersey.  The weekend is looking great. 

CBS News New York There will be sun and clouds on Saturday, with a chance of a stray shower. Sunday is looking even better with mostly sunny skies and highs in the low 80s for both days.  The region may experience its second heat wave of the summer in the middle of the week, with temperatures over 90 degrees possible. Rainfall totals on Thursday Some of Thursday’s highest rainfall totals were recorded in New Jersey, where there were also storm damage reports.  Here’s how much rain fell in different parts of the area:

  • Kendall Park, NJ — 4.91 inches
  • Keansburg, NJ — 4.35 inches
  • Dayton, NJ — 4.12 inches
  • Skillman, NJ — 3.44 inches
  • JFK Airport — 0.11 inches

Source: Flash flooding, stormy weather returning to NYC, New Jersey – CBS New York

Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Isaiah 49:15-16

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