An outbreak of a rare foodborne illness continues to spread across North Carolina, with a growing number of cases now appearing in eastern counties.
State health officials say more than 900 people have contracted cyclosporiasis since May, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite found on contaminated fresh produce.
While Wake County remains the main epicenter, the infection numbers are crawling eastward, with six confirmed cases in Pitt County, four in Craven, two in Onslow, and one in Carteret County.
State inspectors are interviewing patients to isolate the source, pointing to fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, as well as shredded lettuce, as the most likely culprits.
Because washing fruits and vegetables will not kill the parasite, health experts in the east are urging residents to monitor local food recalls and cook fresh produce thoroughly to prevent severe stomach illness.
