NEW YORK, August 13 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Nearly 600 cases of cyclosporiasis, which causes explosive diarrhea, have been recorded in New York City since May, the city's health department told RIA Novosti.

A total of 594 cases of this intestinal illness were confirmed in the city from May 1 to August 10, the health authority said.

None of the infections were domestically acquired or traced back to the cyclospora-infected lettuce salad served at Taco Bell restaurants, which was thought to be the source of the outbreak, the department said.

Cyclosporiasis is usually not life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics. The parasite is spread through contaminated fresh fruit and vegetables. Symptoms of infection include bouts of watery, sometimes explosive, diarrhea as well as nausea and abdominal cramps.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar