Louisiana Stomach Illness Outbreak Brings Symptoms That Linger For Weeks

(KMDL-FM) The current outbreak of cyclosporiasis certainly has several Louisiana residents in a bind. Cyclosporiasis is the fancy name for what most of us are calling the "explosive diarrhea bug".  And I was one of those residents who was bound over in a fetal position with the disease, or something similar, just this past week.

A person holding their stomach in pain.

So we don't have to get too graphic in this narrative; y'all are all familiar with the symptoms associated with the malady, right? So we don't need to describe any bathroom scenes from a horror movie. Instead, let's talk about what happens once you've turned the corner and are back on your way to enjoying solid food that won't explode in your pants.

Besides The Yucky Stuff: What Does Having Cyclosporiasis Feel Like?

The first lingering effect is the fatigue. The fatigue is real. When you think about the physical anguish you put your body through in dealing with this disease, it's no wonder you're tired. The lack of hydration and loss of nutrients play a large part in this as well.

Mario Villafuerte, Getty Images

So, it's not enough to just stop the "flow"; it's about building back your reserves, and that is going to take about two days longer than you thought it might. This bug is a lot different from your run-of-the-mill norovirus; it can hurt you if you're not careful.

Expect To Be Sore Around Your Midsection For Several Days After The Worst Is Over

We've discussed fatigue; now let's talk about how physically sore you're going to be in places where you don't normally get physically sore. I am guessing most of you, like me, don't spend hours at a time crunching your abdominal muscles in an internal death grip. That's what it feels like when the virus/bacteria causes your body to "attempt elimination with much vigor".

I am sure you know how painful the "dry heaves" when vomiting can feel. During the run of this stomach malady, you will have the "dry heaves" on the opposite end of the digestive tract, and I can confirm that when that part of the body becomes sore, it is very difficult to find comfort anywhere.

Sudden Chills and Fever: Why Your Healthcare Team Needs To Know About Them

AndreyPopov

And the third lingering effect that I have noticed is sudden chills and sudden hot flashes, often one right after another. It is difficult to have your teeth chattering when it's 95 outside, but with this illness, you will. You will also be burning hot in the middle of an air-conditioned room. I will be glad when this effect finally fades because it can make for some hard-to-explain moments.

We should note that not all stomach illnesses are Cyclosporiasis; some of them are other infections and might require a different treatment protocol. The important thing is that you do seek medical attention if you encounter or have encountered these symptoms.

READ MORE: Tracking Cyclosporiasis in Louisiana - What We Know

Current case counts suggest there are 125 cases in Louisiana, with Lafayette and East Baton Rouge Parishes having the most cases. Six people in Louisiana have been hospitalized, and there have been no deaths reported.

READ MORE: Foods to Avoid to Avoid Explosive Diarrhea Bug

Just a reminder for persons who are in relatively good health, such as me, you can expect the illness to last a few days but could last a week or longer. Those with compromised immunity or undergoing immunotherapy will want to maintain a close watch should symptoms develop and not delay in getting treatment from your healthcare team.